AMRITSAR, India: The acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Prof. Darshan Singh today invited suggestions from the Inteligentia to surmount the present impasse. He said in a press note that Akal Takht proposed to announcea concrete programme based on suggestions received by him. The programme will consist of stopping of killing of Sikh youth in fake encounters. The release of those detained without trial, withdrawal of cases against them and rehabilitation of army deserters. The appeal for suggestion is also directive to political, social and religious organizations who are being requested to send in written SUZEStIONS. ……2+040+0 Prof. Darshan Singh referred to the inner contradictions and conflicts between the new and old Sikh leadership. The latter having emerged after Operation Bluestar. Referring to the old and new leadership, Prof. Darshan Singh said both claim to be saviours of. the Panth. Both talk in two different languages and have different goals and different means to achieve them. Unfortunately the two sets of leadership continued to trade charges and accuse each other as traitors of the Panth obliquely referring to the charge that he exchanged views with Acharya Sushul Muni. He said religious exchanges were to secure release and rehabilitation, but a section of the new leadership was opposed to talks with the Centre. Unless there is a negotiated settlement how can any objective be achieved, he asked. In the absence of a single solid voice, cental authority and a complete unity, the Sikhs would never achieve anything, he added.
It is expected that high priest may convene a Sarbat Khalsa convention to clinch the issue. Although the high priest had given a free hand to the Unified! Akal’ Dal presidium, and the council, no visible results have been shown by the party leaderhip. The Central government is aware of the vacuum in Sikh politics and this is the reason for inviting suggestions.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 10, 1987
