MATIANA:(Ludhiana): The Akal Takhat Jathedar who was earlier removed by SGPC on May 13, 1988, has announced his intentions to call Sarbat Khalsa on Diwali Day at Akal Takhat in Amritsar to decide among other things the question of leadership and the real Jathedar of Akal Takhat. Mr. Rode was speaking to the gathering in connection with launching a drive to what he called “Free the Golden Temple Complex from Government Control.” He said that all the sections including AISSF and militant groups will be invited to attend the “Sarbat Khalsa.”

Mr. Rode stated that the decision was taken after consultations with other high priests of other Sikh Takhats. It would ponder over various problems in the way of Sikh struggle for independence and show the right path to the Sikh community by removing confusion. Bhai Jasbir Singh declared that those who are at the helm of affairs in the community today for their personal gains and are misutilising the Gurdwara funds will be fully exposed at the proposed Sarbat Khalsa and its control will be vested in the hands that rightly deserve it.

Mr. Rode addressed three meetings in Ludhiana district on the prayer day. He declared that the movement of organizing the Sikh masses will culminate at Gurdwara Damdama Sahib on September 30, 1988, from where the Jathas will be sent to free the complex.

Article extracted from this publication >> September 16, 1988