AMRITSAR, Punjab, India: Singh Sahib Prof. Darshan Singh, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Amritsar, has virtually quit the political and religious scent at the Golden Temple, Amritsar. This surprising action on the part of the Acting Chief of Akal Takht resulted after the rejection of a political resolution passed at the Sikh convention held on Aug. 4, called at the behest of Prof. Darshan Singh, by the freedom fighters. These groups also refused to accept the leadership of acting Jathedar as convener of the morcha which the United Akali Dal wanted to launch.
Prof. Darshan Singh left Amritsar for Zirakpur, near Chandigarh without getting formal permission from S.G.P.C. He is believed to have applied for a long leave from his post. Surprisingly, Prof. Darshan Singh did not consult his other colleagues i.e. head priests of other Takhts. There was no immediate comment from any of these Singh Sahibs.
Prior to his departure, Prof. Darshan Singh described his action as in the best interests of the Panth. Singh Sahib also disclosed that he did not have any dialogue with the leaders of proKhalistan movement. This was his personal decision. He claimed that he offered withdraw from this highest seat in order to pave the way for the parties (S.G.P.C. and pro Khalistan forces) to take their own course of action. The Acting Jathedar further declared that he did not want to precipitate any action which could harm the interest of the Panth.
His wife, Sardarni Manjit Kaur, said that they were going back to their village.
Prof. Darshan Singh’s decision appeared to be prompted by the declaration of General Labh Singh, the Chief of Underground group, known as Khalistan Commando Force (K.C.F.) that their movement will not accept anything less than Khalistan.
The five members of the Panthic Committee also categorically declared their goal as total independence for the Sikhs. The Committee warned the power hungry Akali leadership not to bargain the sacrifices of the Sikh youths for their petty political gains. They also warned them not to burn their fingers by standing against the accomplishment of the goal ie. Khalistan. The Committee also Criticized the role of Prof. Darshan Singh and refused to accept him as leader of the movement.
Prof. Darshan Singh in a departing statement said that he did not want to be a party to the actions and decisions which could harm the interests of the Panth. He further declared that if bullets are harming, he equally condemned it. However, he declared that he had nothing against the youth, who are fighting for the independent State of Khalistan.
For some time the political circles were anticipating such action on the part of Prof. Darshan Singh.
Brandishing the offensive pamphlet, he asked them: “Should we allow such things to be polished? Who gave them the authority to use the Akal Takht seal?” He even threatened to resign if there was no unanimity among the priests on the issue. The four head priests maintained a stoic silence, unwilling to commit themselves on anything.
Darshan Singh himself seemed determined to resign if his authority was continuously flouted. As he told pressmen last week: “If I think I can’t. Serve the people, then I will not cling on to my position”. He is widely regarded as a moderate and till recently, was believed to hold clout with all the factions, including the freedom fighters. But, of late, Gurit Singh, who heads the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) faction that announced last week’s move for Khalistan, has been taking an increasingly hostile stand towards him. If Darshan Singh resigns, it is likely that the Akal Takht will come completely under the control of the freedom fighters.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 14, 1987
