AMRITSAR: Bhai Ranjit Singh, jathedar of Akal Takht, is poised to play a pivotal role in ending the confrontation between the SGPC and the Damdami Taksal. From his statements and speeches. Delivered at a number of places from Delhi to Amritsar ‘on October 18 and 19 and at Akal Takht, he has clearly indicated that he would follow the footsteps of Akali Phoola Singh. He also said that he would accord top priority to the propagation of Sikhism. He would also not meddle in the political affairs “unnecessarily”. His proposed visit to the five other “takhts” before his formal “gaddinashini” (installation) ceremony is also an effort to associate the Jathedars of all five Takhts on all important issues pertaining to Sikh religion. For the past two decades, the Jathedar of Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar) and Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib (Maharashtra) had earlier not been actively associated by both the SGPC and the Jathedar of Akal Takht. The presence of Baba Thakur Singh, chief of Damdami Taksal, and Bhai Ram Singh, a general secretary of the Akali Dal (Amritsar) led by Mr. Simranjit Singh Mann and four, newly elected members of the SGPC belonging to this faction, at Akal Takht on Saturday to accord him a warm welcome, and is a significant thing. Baba Thakur Singh and Baba Nihal Singh Taruna Dal presented “siropas” to Bhai Ranjit Singh on behalf of their organizations, conveying a clear message that they recognized him as the Jathedar. They had not recognized Prof. Manjit Singh, the Acting jathedar, as such. His desire that he would go to the chiefs of all Sikh organizations and “sampardas” for an interaction, would also be an effort to associate all Sikh organizations on all vital issues concerning the Sikhs. He has already stated that if Mr. Mann or any other “gursikh” who does not have a “tainted image”, comes to see him, he would accord him due respect.

The warm welcome according to him by the Sikhs all along his journey already commands respect among all sections of the Panth. He is noncontroversial and the first Jathedar after Giani Gurdial Singh Ajnoha (who expired in March, 1982) who is acceptable to all sections of the Sikhs. C convicted for the assassination of Nirankari Chief, Baba Gurbachan Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh’s detention in jail for about 13 years has changed him completely. He has spent most of his time by reciting Gurbani and studying Sikh history. He extensively quotes from the scriptures in his conversation and speech. Apprehensions in a section of the Press that his release might boost the morale of the radical seem to be misplaced. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the government his reviewed the security of Nirankaris following his release from the jail. His release has reportedly sent shivers down the spines of the Nirankaris, who are apprehensive that Bhai Ranjit Singh might lay stress on implementation of the hukam na in a of June 10, 1978, directing Sikhs all over the world to never “roti beti” relations with Nirankaris besides completely boycotting them socially.

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 23, 1996