AMRITSAR, India, Oct. 15, Reuter: The four Head Priests of the Sikh religion called on Thursday for a mass assembly of Sikhs (Sarbat Khalsa) at the Golden Temple next week, setting the scene for a confrontation with the government.
The Priests said they would hold a “Sarbat Khalsa” (Religious Congregation) at Sikhdom’s holiest shrine despite an official ban, a probable curfew and sealing off of temple precincts.
Home (Interior) Minister Buta Singh said on Tuesday the government would not allow the assembly scheduled for October 22, which he called “A gathering of antinational forces”.
‘When separatist violence in Punjab worsened, New Delhi dismissed the state government in May and took direct control. A massive security presence has not stopped more than 1000 people (being killed in Punjab so far this year.
The four Head Priests, who took over from more moderate leaders earlier this year, are seen as close to the freedom fighters fighting for an independent Sikh State.
Their acting head, Darshan Singh, a more conciliatory figure is in self-imposed retreat. Sikh sources said only one of the four others had argued against confrontation during a week of deliberations before Thursday’s call.
Although Sikhs are divided over the Head Priests’ stance, their declarations have the weight of spiritual authority.
‘This applies especially when, as with Thursday’s invitation to. Sikhs to attend the Sarbat Khalsa, they are issued from the Darshini Deori the entrance gate 10 the Golden Temple.
October 22 is also Diwali Day. the biggest celebration in the Hindu calendar. The challenge to the government on that day is likely to be seen as especially provocative.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1987
