AMRITSAR: Senior leaders of both the Akali Dal (Badal) and the Akali Dal (Amritsar) have agreed to forge unity in principle. A seven-member committee has been constituted to evolve the modalities to clinch the issue.

This was announced by the acting. Jathedar of Akal Takht, Prof Manjit Singh, while addressing a crowded. Press conference in his chamber here Jan.23 after a six-hour meeting of the senior leaders of the two main Akali factions in the presence of the Sikh clergy.

The committee, which will submit its report to Akal Takht on February 17 at 1 pm is headed by Bhai Ashok Singh Bargrian, an apolitical and revered personality of the Sikhs, and comprises Kuldip Singh Wadala, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, (all from the Badal faction), Surjit Singh Barnala, Bhai Manjit Singh and Sucha Singh Chotepur (all from the Amritsar faction).

All the other high priests, including Giani Mohan Singh, Head Granthi of the Golden Temple, Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo). Giani Bhagwan Singh, Head Granthi Akal Takht and Giani Joginder Singh Vedant, a senior granthi of Golden Temple, were present at the press conference.

The seven-member committee will discuss all aspects, including the controversial “Amritsar declaration,” the Anandpur Sahib Resolution and allied matters and make unanimous decisions. If unanimity is not achieved on any issue, it will be referred to the Sikh clergy and will be sorted out by all the senior leaders in their presence.

The Akali leaders have signed a joint declaration, which was read by the acting Jathedar to waiting newsmen.

According to the joint declaration: “We, all senior Akali leaders, hereby announce the establishment of as member panel to finalize the unity process. This panel will chalk out blueprints of the constitutional, political, economic, social and religious activities of the Shiromani Akali Dal which will represent the “panthic” aspirations of the Sikh Panth. This committee will also discuss the organizational structure of the party. This committee will submit its report to Akal Takht on February 17 at 1 pm.

“The members of this committee will take all decisions unanimously with all sincerity on all the issues. If it fails to arrive at unanimous decision on any matter, that will be settled amicably by the Shiromani Akali Dal leaders at Akal Takht.

“We all affirm that whosoever does not agree to accept the report of this committee, he will be declared a fugitive of the Sikh Panth and the Sikh high priests will be the competent authority to take any decision accordingly.”

Besides Parkash Singh Badal, the joint declaration bears the signatures of Parkash Singh Majitha, Gurdev Singh Badal, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Jagdev Singh Talwandi, Barnala, Dhindsa, Balwinder Singh Bhinder, Sukhjinder Singh, Bhai Manjit Singh, Jasmer Singh Bala and Capt Amarinder Singh.

When asked whether the Badal faction leaders had agreed to accept the controversial “Amritsar declaration.” Prof Manjit Singh said the matter had been referred to the committee, which would discuss the Amritsar declaration, the Anandpur Sahib resolution or allied matters.

The acting Jathedar disclosed that all the Akali leaders had been directed not to issue any such statement which may cause hindrance in the way of the unity process. Other leaders, including the Youth Akali Dal, the Istri Akali Dal and the All-India Sikh Students Federation leaders have also been advised not to issue any statement which may mar the chances for achieving unity

Addressing media persons after the working committee meeting of the party Prakash Singh Badal. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Kuldeep Singh Wadala, the president, general secretary and vice-president respectively. said that the party would only agree for unity on principles and it believed in more powers and autonomy for the states. They said that the Akali Dal (B) could not accept the “Amritsar declaration.”

When asked what the party would do if the Akali Dal (Amritsar) agreed to an amendment in the “Amritsar declaration,” Badal said the position would be clear on January 23 when they go to the Akal Takht. He said that the “Amritsar declaration” was the political program of the Akali Dal (A) and the Akali Dal (B) could not accept it “Our party has made a commitment to the Punjabi’s and we cannot shirk it,” Badal said. Kuldip Singh Wadala said that the party wanted to maintain the sanctity of the Akal Takht and respected the jathedar. He said that the party’s attitude was constructive but at the same time, the party did not wish to compromise. On the other hand, he added the party would always like to iron out differences.

Article extracted from this publication >> January 27, 1995