Bhai Rajoana Update: Sikh Community Failed by Leadership Once Again

AMRITSAR SAHIB—Although the appointed Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar, along with Singh Sahibs of other 4 Takhts, have supported Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and taken some steps to halt his execution, the recently announced processions in the form of protests seem to have worried them.  Giani Gurbachan Singh, Government appointed Jathedar, took notice of various processions being organized throughout the state of Punjab and has asked Sikh organisations to not deviate from the original plan of waiting until March 29.

The Takht Sahib leadership consisting of 5 Jathedars, had ordered an edict this past week asking Shiromani Akal Dal (B) and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee leadership to seek stay on Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana’s execution.   Giani Gurbachan Singh had stressed upon seeking unconditional release of Bhai Rajoana from the bars.  He also appealed to the Sikh community to adorn adorn kesri (bright yellow) dastars, duppatas, and turbans and fly the Sikh standard (Nishan Sahib) outside their houses on March 28th to show opposition to India’s atrocities against Sikhs.

Although the steps taken by Jathedars seem positive in Bhai Rajoana’s case, various Sikh Jathebandis expressed grief over the lack of a clear stand by the leadership.  The common demand of conferring the “Akal Takht Jathedar” title to Bhai Rajoana by almost all Sikh Jathebandis was left totally neglected at the meeting held at Akal Takht Sahib.  This move was perceived as “selfish” as Jathedars were evidently more keen to safeguard their positions, rather than taking all steps to save the life of a Sikh.  It was thought that just like panthik Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh; Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana too could be saved if he was made Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib.

Sikh Community Failed by Leadership Once Again

According to those present at the Darbar Sahib Complex this past week, the scene was nothing short of a “Sarbat Khalsa” as representatives of almost all Sikh Jathebandis were present to support Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana.  The massive crowd once again brought back images from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib when masses of Sikhs arrived there in opposition to the black acts of the criminal of Sirsa, Gurmeet Ram Rahim.  The Damdama Sahib gathering of thousands was ready to take on the Sirsa based cultist dera, however the Jathedars failed to guide the community, leading to fading of a movement that had erupted out of disgust against the cult leader who tried to mimic Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Similar to Damdama Sahib, Sikh Sangat gathering at Akal Takht Sahib Sought Strict Guidelines

Just like the Jathedars failed to guide the Sikh Community in 2007, the same was repeated at Akal Takht Sahib when very cleverly the Jathedars announced the edict directed at Parkash Badal, Sukhbir Badal and Avtar Makkar.  The Jathedars announced that a further course of action will be announced on March 29, if the State Government fails to seek a stay on the execution order.  Panthik bodies expressed total disbelief as that would leave just one days for the execution.

Badal & Co. Defy Akal Takht Mandate

Although the edict demanded the unconditional release of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, those concerned by the hukamnama have only taken measures to seek a stay on the execution orders.  Parkash Badal while addressing the Punjab Vidhan Sabha insisted that clemency be given to Bhai Rajoana and his death sentence be converted into life imprisonment.  Bhai Rajoana had asked the Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar to not seek clemency on his behalf from the Government that is responsible for genocide of Sikhs.

Against the wishes of Bhai Rajoana, Parkash Badal praised former Chief Minister Beant Sio’s family for “considering to forgive the killers of their grandfather.”  Badal asserted that he is yet to meet with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratiba Patil, but upon meeting them he would request they “pardon” Bhai Balwant Singh.

Sikh Jathedbandis Adamant about Protests and Punjab Bandh

Despite the appeal of Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar to not carry out any processions to the Central Jail in Patiala, Sikh organizations have insisted to go on with their plans to march towards the Patiala Jail.  According to the Jathedar, any move that could disrupt the “hard earned peace” should be avoided.

A total “bandh” of Punjab (state wide general strike) has been declared for March 28th.  Three different processions will take place from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Anandpur Sahib and march towards the Patiala Jail.  Just like Punjab, protests and processions have been carried out in various parts of the world—with more to come in the following days.

As the Khalsa Panth is gearing up for the Punjab Bandh and upcoming state wide protests, news has been received about the Indian Army and Commandos being deployed throughout the State of Punjab.  Over 10,000 troops have been deployed across Punjab.  In addition, 15 companies of CRPF and BSF have been deployed in almost all major cities of Punjab which have demonstrated supported for Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana.  Newly appointed Punjab Director General of Police, Sumedh Saini, who is responsible for mass genocide of Sikhs, is going to lead the police forces in the coming days.

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