AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—SGPC President Avtar Makkar has bluntly denied permission to hold ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ at Diwan Hall of Manji Sahib in Sri Harmandir Sahib complex. It is notable that a delegation of Sikh leaders headed by Bhai Mohkam Singh (President, United Akali Dal) had sought permission from the SGPC by meeting Chief Secretary Harcharan Singh on October 26 to hold ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ at Manji Sahib on November 10.
Sikh24 earlier contacted the SGPC President Avtar Makkar to ask about his views on the Sarbat Khalsa. Makkar aggressively argued that no one holds any right to call ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ besides the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said the SGPC cannot provide permission to hold ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ inside Sri Darbar Sahib Complex, citing security reasons. Makkar refused to comment further as Sikh24 stated that historically, Sarbat Khalsas have taken place in jungles due to the circumstances. Makkar alleged that a handful of persons want to earn political mileage on the name of religion by holding Sarbat Khalsa.
Our correspondent also spoke with Bhai Mohkam Singh and questioned him why they felt it was important to seek permission from the SGPC. “Regardless of our differences, we still maintain high respect for the SGPC, due to which, it was the first organization welcomed to join Sarbat Khalsa initiative,” said Bhai Mohkam Singh. Replying to Avtar Makkar’s excuses, he said that Gurdwaras belong to the Sikh community, not to any particular management body. Reiterating his stance, he said that ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ will be held definitely and the venue could be Gurdwara Baba Nodh Singh on Amritsar-Tarn Taran road if SGPC deliberately interferes.
“Whenever the Sikhs meet in the Gurus name there is a fifth Takht” as noted on page 2 of “A MEMORANDUM ON THE SUBJECT OF SELF-GOVERNMENT IN THE PANJAB.” by G. W. Leitner, 1884
Why is history repeating itself?