AMRITSAR, Punjab, India: The Executive Committee of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee gave a stamp of approval for the formation of Akal Sewa Dal. The purpose of the formation of this Sewa Dal is to maintain the sanctity of the Golden Temple. This decision was taken on the proposal of Head Priests of the Takhts. The Committee accepted the suggestion in principle and left the details and the mode of recruitment to the Jathedar of the Akal Takht and Head Priest of Golden Temple, Giani Puran Singh. This newly created force will be a paid and voluntary organization, on 5050 basis. The Committee also recognized the prerogative of the Chief of Akal Takht to take steps to maintain the religious sanctity of the Golden Temple.
Another idea which prompted the Committee to take this decision, is to put a check to repeated forced entices of the security forces to arrest the freedom fighters in the precinct of the Golden Temple.
The meeting which was presided over by its acting President Mr.
Harinder Singh was held at Muktsar and was attended by Ujjagar Singh Sekhwan, Mal Singh and others.
Meanwhile, the hectic preparations are being made to hold a Sikh convention at Manji Sahib, Diwan Hall, Amritsar, on August 4, 1987. The decisions to be taken at this convention are likely to go a long way in shaping the future course of action for the Sikhs in settling the Punjab issue. There is a speculation that a move will be made to denounce the old Anandpur Sahib resolution as irrelevant in the present context. The convention is likely to issue a clear directive to the Sikhs to safeguard their interests and religion.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 7, 1987
