:dateline:In a significant development, Namdhari leader Thakur Dalip Singh who had parted ways with Thakur Uday Singh after the death of former head Jagjit Singh, on Tuesday visited residence of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa at village Hassanpur who was hospitalized by the Police forcibly on May 31.
Bapu Surat Singh is sitting on hunger strike for past 139 days for release of Sikh political prisoners languishing in various jails of India despite completion of their terms. His health condition is in very critical state. Various sections of Sikhs and human rights activist are visiting Bapu Surat Singh to extend their support to Bapu Jee. The Namdhari leader also extended his support. His supporters in large number accompanied him during the visit. In absence of Bapu Jee, they met other Singhs present there and enquired about Bapu Jee�s health condition.
Later, they visited the hospital where Bapu Surat Singh is admitted.
The development is being seen very keenly by Sikhs as after the Baba Ram Singh Kooka, Namdhari sect parted ways with main stream of Sikhs and went close to Brahmanism and establishment.
It is worth mentioning that Thakur Dalip Singh leads more than 50% followers of Namdhari sect. These followers revolted against Thakur Uday Singh when latter got headship of the sect, and recognized Dalip Singh as their head.
As per sources, Thakar Dalip Singh initiated to make numerous efforts to stop anti-Sikh rituals prevailed in the sect:
- Takhar Dalip Singh has asked his supporters to add the word �Guru� to Guru Granth Sahib. Earlier, they used to call Him as �Aad Sri Granth Sahib�.
- He asked his supporters to say �Fateh� to each other. Earlier, they did not do so frequently.
- His leadership has provided equality to Majhabi Sikhs. Earlier, separate row was arranged for them in Langar. They are conferred initiation�separately. Dalip Singh has stopped discrimination against them.
- On the day of Visakhi, Dalip Singh supported the concept of Khalsa Rule and independent Sikh homeland.
- In a function, he united various Sikh sects on single platform in presence of Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh and other Jathedars. During this, Ardas of 10 Gurus was done and Dohra of �Agia Bhai Akaal Ki..� was read. Earlier, they used to do Ardas of more than 10 Gurus. �Dohra was never read in past.
Sikh organizations have welcomed and lauded the move of Dalip Singh. Sikh leaders say that Namdhari sect remained integral part of Sikh Panth but with the conspiracy of anti-Sikh forces, it disassociated itself from the Sikh main stream.
