AMRITSAR, AUG.11: The “Dharmik slahkar committee” of Akal Takht has affirmed that “maryada” (code of conduct) approved by the panth is the one drafted. And finalized by the Khalsa Panth in 1934 and implemented by the SGPC. It resolved that no Organization or individual has any Tight to alter or amend this “maryada.”
At its first meeting held here last evening under the chairmanship Of acting Jatheda, Manjit Singh, the committee considered the letter written by Baba Thakar Singh, chief of the Damdami Taksal, on the issue and rejected it. The resolutions adopted in the Meeting were released by Manjit Singh here Wednesday.
The meeting decided that programs for centenary celebrations should be finalized under the guidance of Akal Takht. It was also decided to create a situation congenial for bringing about panthic unity.
Yet another resolution decided to make efforts 10 highlight the supremacy of Akal Takht.
When newsmen pointed out that the Baba’s letter which was read by SGPC chief G.S.Tohra was rejected, Manjit Singh denied it, Saying that “it was discussed and resolved that” maryada” approved by the Khalsa Panth was the real one.”
The Jathedar said he had no confrontation with the Damdami Taksal on the issue of “maryada” and added that he had deferred the implementation of old “Maryada “in the Golden temple, Akal Takht and other gurdwaras on June 1 to avoid a Controversy.
Asked to comment on Baba Thakar Singh’s statement that “maryada” enforced by Guru Gobind Singh was prevalent in the Damdami Taksal, he said: “any Diwan, Taksal samparda or organization is not the Sikh Panth but only a part or parts of the panth.”
When asked whether a “Sarbat Khalsa” convention could decide the ticklish issue of altering “maryada,” he said it could only be decided at Akal Takht in accordance with “Sikh jugiti” by convening a meeting of representatives of all Sikh sects, sampardas and organizations. When pointed out that the Damdami Taksal, many other important Sikh organizations and a few Akali factions did not accept him as Jathedar as many of them still claimed that Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode was the Jathedar, he said he had no ill will against them and would seek their cooperation for the betterment of the Sikh Panth and to resolve all controversies and problems in accordance with Sikh norms.
Asked why he had failed to implement the panthic “maryada” while Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode enforced the Taksali “maryada” in his capacity as Jathedar of Akal Takht, Manjit Singh said even the Akal Takht Jathedar could not take any decision on his own.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 13, 1993
