CHANDIGARH, India: Prof. Darshan Singh, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht reiterated today that he had not run away from his responsibilities as the head of the Akal Takht. But he is prepared to resume his duties if the proper atmosphere is created. Prof. Darshan Singh was speaking to pressmen, who had gone from Chandigarh to meet him at his residence village Zirakpur. Prof. Darshan Singh called upon the Sikh youth to create a proper atmosphere before he could perform his duties: Prof. Darshan Singh said, “How can a Jathedar of Akal Takht work under the constant threats?” Prof. Darshan Singh opined that such an atmosphere is not in their own (youths) interest.
Referring to the announcement of the Panthic Committee and A.LS.S.F. (Gurjit Singh) to hold a Sarbat Khalsa Convention at Amritsar on Diwali to get the approval of the sangat for the ouster of Prof. Darshan Singh, as the head of Akal Takht. Prof. Darshan Singh questioned the right of Panthic Committee and Gurjit group to call upon such a convention for his ouster to undertake that responsibility by Sarbat Khalsa called at Akal Takht. Prof. Darshan Singh justified the actions of the freedom fighters in the light of the continuing killings of Sikh youths in the fake encounters and a constant repression of the paramilitary forces in Punjab. He declared that violence cannot be countered with state terrorism.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 28, 1987
