NEW DELHI, India—Reacting on suggestion given by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Avtar ‘Singh’ Makkar to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to dedicate itself to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi president Parmjit ‘Singh’ Sarna said that before giving suggestion to anyone, Makkar needed to introspect finding out who violated edicts of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs.
The PSGPC is observing the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Jee on June 16 as per the original Nanakshahi Calendar, whereas the SGPC have observed the day on May 22 as per the latest amended dates. Sarna stated that by using the name of Akal Takht Sahib illegitimately, Makkar made the suggestions to PSGPC. Sarna took serious notice of the statement by Makkar giving him suggestion to hold Sarbat Khalsa at Gurdwara Nanakana Sahib on the Calendar to justify his stand.
The former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president said that with efforts of then Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Nanakshahi Calendar was implemented in 2003 by Sikh Panth. “Till 2010, the Calendar continued to be followed but under pressure of RSS, it was transformed into Bikrami Calendar for seeking votes for Badal Dal”, he alleged.
“Not PSGPC, but Badal and Makkar have violated the Akal Takht Sahib who have boycotted the Nanakshahi Calendar and reverted to Bikrami Calendar going against aspirations of [many] Sikhs. On the other hand, the PSGPC is fulfilling its duty dedicating itself to Akal Takht Sahib”, he said.
He said that if Makkar had doubt on Nanakshahi Calendar, he should call upon Sarbat Khalsa at Gurdwara Nanakana Sahib on the issue. He said that Sarbat Khalsa would be attended by representatives of Sikh organizations of the world and whichever the decision to be taken in it, would be accepted by all.
