AMRITSAR: The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) Manjit faction has decided to recognize Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal leader of the five member panthic committee as Jathedar of Akal Takht. This decision was taken at an emergency meeting convened here under the president ship of Mr Manjit Singh to reorganize the federation

A reorganized set-up of the federation was also announced by Mr Manjit Singh at a news conference here on Tuesday. The federation felt that under present circumstances when the institution of Akal Takht had come under attack from various quarters and many claims were being made for the post of jathedar only Baba Gurbachan Singh in the footsteps of Akali Phoola Singh had played the role of a “saint soldier”.

The federation also strongly criticized the killings of Sikhs by the security forces. An appeal was also made to all the panthic organisations to unite against the challenge to the survival of the Sikhs an action plan in consultation with other organisations would be announced soon Mr Manjit Singh said.

The federation also took a serious view of the attempts being made by the government to negate the democratic process in the state and to muzzle the voice of the press.

In another resolution the federation reiterated its resolve to check the menace of copying in the ongoing examinations of various boards and universities. Letters have been sent to the vice chancellors of the universities and officials of the school education board to take effective steps in this regard it was said.

Mr Manjit Singh also announced the new set-up of the federation. All the office bearers of the central committee and district presidents had submitted their resignations following allegations of corruption leveled against some of the federation leaders a few weeks ago.

Mr Manjit Singh said it has announced that anyone having any proof of corruption could submit it to Baba Thakur Singh chief of the Damdami Taksal within 15 days. None came with any evidence against any federation leader.

Article extracted from this publication >> April 5, 1991