Akhand Kirtani Jatha Condemns Statement by Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala

Bhai RP Singh with Bhai Bakshish Singh, two days before his arrest
Bhai RP Singh with Bhai Bakshish Singh, two days before his arrest

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—The Akhand Kirtani Jatha International has released a statement condemning the recent comments by Jathedar Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala.  Bhai Ajnala was appointed as Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib last year in November 2015 during Sarbat Khalsa at village Chabba.  Speaking at the June 1984 Ghallughara program organized by Giani Raam Singh of Damdami Taksal Sangrawa on June 7, 2016, Bhai Amrik Singh shared several remarks on Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale and Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma.  Bhai Amrik Singh also brought up the controversial issues of Raag Mala during his speech.

Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala’s words have been condemned by Sikh Sangat over social media.  Meanwhile, a message being shared on social media by Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal states that the three Takht Jathedars are scheduled to meet in the coming days to discuss the issue.  Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal asked the Sikh Sangat to refrain from speculating while he discusses the issue with Bhai Ajnala and Bhai Dhian Singh Mand.

Following the incident at Damdami Taksal Sangrawa headquarters, Bhai Rajandeep Singh, son of Giani Raam Singh condemned the incident.  He said that the Damdami Taksal and the Akhand Kirtani Jatha cannot be separated.

The following statement was issued by the Akhand Kirtani Jatha on June 8, 2016 –

Akhand Keertanee Jathaa strives to uphold and perpetuate the Gurmat teachings, traditions and values as laid out by the Great Gurus of the Khalsa Panth.

In response to the recent events, Akhand Keertanee Jathaa Worldwide condemns the shameful act of killing our fellow Gursikh brother Bhai Bhupinder Singh. It is shameful and highly condemnable that those responsible for this heinous crime used the sanctified Sikh institution of Chabeel (offering of free drinks) to deliver a deceptive act of murderous bullets instead.

The Worldwide Jathaa also condemns the inappropriate and foul language used by Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Sadh Sangat at the 1984 Shaheedi Smagam held at Gurdwara Gurshabad Parkash, Shaheeda (Sangrawa) on Tuesday, 7th June 2016, which was also aired on international TV stations and online channels. The Khalsa Panth has very high expectations of anybody elected as a Takth Jathedhaar. Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala, who is thought to be a senior and knowledgeable Gursikh, should be setting a high standard and a better example for the rest of the Sangat and our Naujawaan. Our Takth Jathedhaars are not above the Saadh Sangat, so the use of profanity falls far short of good repute and expected conduct. We cannot allow our Takths to be misused or misrepresented, and currently withdraw our support for him as the Jathedar of Takth Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

There are recognised issues in the Panth which are complex and without resolution of which one is Raag Maala. The current and correct status agreed in the Panth is that it is acceptable to complete Bhog of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by reading or not read Raag Mala. Condemnation of those who have a different viewpoint is neither Panthik nor the brotherly attitude that is clearly required in a Sarbat Khalsa. Using a public stage at such an emotional time in the Sangat is akin to dividing the Sangat and falls squarely into the very “Napolean” thinking that Bhai Ajnala is attempting to condemn. Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala was selected at the last Sarbat Khalsa in 2015, where a Mathaa or Resolution was passed to refrain from discussing any controversial issues which create divides in Sikh Panth. If the ‘Jathedars’ cannot abide by these decisions, we can only conclude that they are not fit for the role. In addition, a few days ago, Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara Ji’s acting Jathedar Mand Ji gave Hukam to youth to not use inappropriate or foul language, when debating on the social media. Bhai Ajnala’s speech has directly violated that very Hukam. Therefore, some stern action should be taken. AKJ Worldwide stands by the resolution in the Sri Akal Takth Sahib Sikh Rehat Maryada which confirms that the Bhog of Akhand Paath or Sehaj Paath can conclude without the reading of Raag Maala.

This attempt to confuse the Sangat about Raag Maala and combining it with current Shri Dasam Granth issues is an attempt to put Sadh Sangat into further dubidha. These issues must be dealt with at a Panthik level using an agreed approach that is both Panthik and unbiased. Personal views should not be imposed upon Sadh Sangat since this only causes further divide. Any person who is actively bringing up contentious issues, with a clear intent of splitting up the Sangat should be condemned by all as an enemy of the Khalsa Panth.

A Samparda or Jathebandi cannot and should not attempt to forcefully replace the Panthik Maryada laid out by the Sri Akal Takth Sahib with their own. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa Panth and we should all move forward to create a united Panth in a fair and transparent way. AKJ Worldwide condemns all enemies of the Panth that wear the respected garb gifted by Kalgidhar Paathshah but besmirch it with their ulterior motives using hateful and evil actions.

It is now time for all Gursikhs to put the Panth and its stability at the forefront. It is essential that we work in the Khalsa Spirit of Puratan Gursikhs and not in the demonic way that Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji outlined in the below written Rehatnama from centuries ago:

ਜੋ ਿਸੱਖ ਿਸੱਖ ਨੰੂ ਜਾਣ ਕੇ ਕਦੈ ਕਰਾਏ, ਲਟੁਾਏ, ਮਰਵਾਏ, ਸੋ ਦਤ? ਜਾਨਣਾ।
A Sikh who intentionally play role in sending other Sikh in jail, involved in looting (steal) of other Sikh, commit killing of other Sikh, that Sikh must be known as Daint (demon).

Akhand Keertanee Jathaa worldwide does Ardaas to Akaal Purakh Maharaj for Khalsa Panth to stay together, in Chardee Kalaa, always!!

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