AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Giani Gurbachan Singh, the SGPC appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib faced opposition while addressing the Sikh Sangat on the anniversary of June 1984 Ghallughara program. Giani Gurbachan Singh had just started speaking shortly after hukamnama was taken today morning, June 6, at Sri Akal Takht Sahib when the Sikh Sangat present there raised slogans in support of an independent Sikh state.
Giani Gurbachan Singh tried to continue speaking, however his speech was drowned out with echoes of “Khalistan Zindabad”. Sikh Sangat also raised anti-Badal slogans however the SGPC Task Force practised restraint and despite the slogans, the atmosphere remained peaceful.
As Giani Gurbachan Singh had started speaking, Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa’s son Bhai Isher Singh walked away and left the premise to express his protest against SGPC appointed Jathedar. Along with him, Bhai Tirlochan Singh, son of Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh (Damdami Taksal), Bhai Beant Singh Kheala (General Subeg Singh’s brother) also refused siropa. They refused honour from Giani Gurbachan Singh due to his involvement in forgiving Sacha Sauda cult chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim and for not doing much to stop beadbi of Guru Granth Sahib Ji last year. Both Sikhs accepted siropa at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash at Chowk Mehta.
Heavy security arrangements were made by the SGPC and the city police everywhere. Sikh Sangat was stopped at police barracks and questioned. Most however did not face any issues attending the June Ghallughara anniversary program at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Akali Leaders Face Stiff Opposition
Several Akali leaders also faced stiff opposition by the Sikh Sangat. Namely, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Ravinder Singh Brahmpura and Virsa Singh Valota faced stiff opposition by the Sikh Sangat. It is pertinent to mention that while S. Simranjit Singh Mann was walking away when Giani Gurbachan Singh started speaking, these Akali leaders also followed him hearing echoes of “Khalistan Zindabad”. While Sikh Sangat was making room for Simranjit Singh Mann to leave, Akali leaders had to face opposition by the Sikhs as they blocked their way out.
While Bhai Dhian Singh Mand could not address the Sikh Sangat from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal was also arrested this morning by the Bathinda police along with 10 other Singhs. Bhai Bakshish Singh, Jathedar of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha was manhandled by the city police as he was accompanied by hundreds of Sikh youth wearing bana and holding Sri Sahibs. The SGPC had reports that Bhai Bakshish Singh may share a sandesh (edict) issued by Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara.
Sikhs Activists Detained
Almost 15 activists supporting the Sikhs for Justice “Referendum 2020” movement were detained by the Amritsar police. These men were wearing “Sikh Referendum 2020” and Sant Bhindranwale t-shirts, and were holding banners in support of an independent Sikh state.
