CHANDIGARH: Ata largely attended gathering the foundation stone of Akal Takhat was laid at Amritsar on Feb 16. by the Punj Piaras. The Kar Sewa ranks were {joined by scores of Sikhs keen to be among the first to have participated in the ceremony. Led by the officiating Head of the Damdami Taksal, Baba Thakur Singh, a large number of people moved forward, almost causing a stampede. Among those who initiated the reconstruction of Akal Takhat were Jathedar Akal Takhat, Bhai Gurdev Singh, Baba Uttam Singh, Baba Jagtar Singh, Baba Diwan Singh and the United Akali Dal Convener Baba Joginder Singh. Men and women surged to go to the base of the original Takhat building constructed by Guru HarGobind Sahib. The Golden Temple reverberated with the echo of Bole So Nehal at the conclusion of the two Akhand Paths. One was for Satwant Singh sentenced to death for the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the other was for Akal Takat Kar Sewa. Unlike on January 26, when the Sarbat Khalsa convention sponsored by the Dam Dami Taksal and A.IS.S.F. was held, there was no slogan shouting in favour of Khalistan. But some women were heard raising pro Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale slogans. The organizers conducted the function tactfully and decided to hold the function at Diwan Hall, Manji Sahib where a resolution was adopted. The congregation pledged to uphold the authority of Akal Takhat and bow to all its decisions, Takhat building, symbolizes the resurgence of the Takhat. The congregation decided to endeavor to establish a new social order among the Sikhs. We pledged to protect Sikh identity Temple and culture, The resolution reiterated to make the Sikhs Sant Sipahees” and explained that the weapons carried by the Sikhs were for the defense of the helpless. The congregation promised to continued to put pressure on the Akali Dal Government for the release of all detained Sikhs, the repeal of black laws and the withdrawal of paramilitary forces in Punjab. The congregation ridiculed the five high priests, Akali Dal President and S.G.P.C. Chief for having made a mockery of Sikh traditions by holding Sarbat Khalsa convention away from Akal Takhat. History would not pardon them, it said. ‘The resolution also referred to the controversy relating to transfer of territories including Chandigarh and the river waters dispute between Haryana and Punjab, Chandigarh was and continues to be Punjab is peaking area. No Punjab is peaking area would be allowed to be transferred to any other State and Punjab is peaking. areas in Haryana and Rajasthan will have to be given to Punjab. Similarly on the question of sharing of river waters, the resolution said that only Punjabi claims are legitimate.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 21, 1986
