AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—In a significant development that could give a push to Sikh nationalist politics, two major pro-freedom Sikh political parties – the Dal Khalsa and Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardani) – have resolved to unite under single entity with an aim to infuse new life in the right to self-determination movement.
The declaration was made after serious and long deliberations made by the joint committee constituted to forge unity between both the groups which have sizeable base among Sikh Diaspora.
Harcharanjit Singh Dhami, president of the Dal Khalsa and Kulbeer Singh Barapind president of Panch Pardani signed the joint document hereby declaring that they had decided in principle to merge both the groups into single entity. Heads of both the parties vowed to carry on with their mission to attain independence.
Underlining the growing unrest among Sikh youth because of the incompetent and incapable religio-political leadership and degradation in Sikh politics, both the groups decided in principle to close ranks to provide new platform for their fellow brethren.
We will retain either name from the both, said they and added it would be disclosed after some more deliberations and home work. “The name of the organization, it’s president and other office bearers would be announced shortly”.
They clarified that under Indian dispensation they would not contest elections. However they said they view SGPC elections as exception and would decide about it at appropriate time.
Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu and Bhai Gajinder Singh, founder leaders of their respective groups gave their blessing and consent for merger. They pinned hope that this unity would inspire more like minded parties and personalities to tie up with them. They said there was a need to instill pride in Sikh youth of their culture, heritage and history. We would take the struggle forward by utilizing every available means. Our courage of conviction remains undiminished, said both in a written message.
Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and Kanwar Pal Singh, who played the role of facilitator in bringing both the groups closer, were vocal in condemning the state machinery for repeatedly trying to crush the democratic aspirations of the Sikh nation. For Sikhs in Punjab, the issue is complete independence. “Our struggle is not only for independence, it is also a struggle for survival- survival as a nation and as a distinct culture”. Those who think that threat to religion and culture as nothing to do with political problems were highly mistaken, they remarked.
Prominent among those who were present in the meeting were Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib, Dr Manjinder Singh, Sarbjit Singh Ghuman, Ranbir Singh, Surjit Singh Khalistani, Mandhir Singh, Amrik Singh Issru, Baldev Singh Sirsa, Jasvir Singh Khandoor
