AMRITSAR: Bhai Ranjit Singh Jathedar, Akal Takht, the Supreme religious cum temporal seat of the Sikhs, who was released from the Tihar jail on October 12 said propagating Sikhism would be accorded top priority. He would interfere in Akali affairs only when Sikh politics cast its shadow on the religion. Though religion and politics of the Sikhs are inseparable, religion is supreme and would always remain so. In an interview at Bhai Gurdas Hall here, he said he would draw inspiration and strength from the life of Akali Phoola Singh, a great Sikh general and Jathedar of Akal Takht during Maharaja Ranjit Singh regime. Following are the excerpts from his first ever interview

Q: Which issue would you accord top priority to?

A: To the propagation of the Sikh

Religion. I wish that all Sikhs should partake “Amrit” by Baisakhi in 1999, and the completion of 300 years of the Khalsa Panth. They should shun all intoxicants and be loyal to their Gurus. It is imperative to acquaint the new generation with their great religious heritage.

Q: You have spent nearly 13. Years in jail. How do you feel on your release?

A: Very fine. In jail nothing was visible beyond the four walls. Now I am functioning in a free atmosphere. A number of friends met me after a long spell of about 15 years. It is nice to see them. Many of them did not come to see mein jail fearing reprisals by the government.

Q: How was the time spent in the jail?

A: I spent most of my time reciting “Gurbani”, studying Sikh history and commentaries on “Gurbani” by eminent Sikh scholars; I also had difficulty regarding food. I am used to cooking my own food, but the hail authorities did not allow it. As a result i had to remain without food for three days once. For five days at another time and on two other occasions for 10 and 20 days.

Q: Your comments on Operation Bluestar?

A: I was in jail when the Golden Temple complex was stormed. The attack on the temple, the holiest Sikh shrine and the destruction of Akal Takht, had grievously hurt Sikh sentiments. The Sikh psyche was badly bruised: it was most unfortunate and condemnable. So are the anti-Sikh riots of November, 1984. It is tragic that many culprits are still roaming about freely even after 12 years of this tragedy.

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 23, 1996