The Damdami Taksal and all militant organisations have unanimously resolved to instal Maj-Gen (retired) Narinder Singh as head priest of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.

This was stated by Bhai Shamsher Singh acting convenor of Akal Federation in a press note.

The press note said the chief of the Damdami Taksal, Baba Thakar Singh and all militant organizations had made this decision since General Narinder Singh was acceptable to all and it was the need of the hour that the Sikh struggle should be continued under the guidance of Akal Takht.

The press note also said that Bhai Jasbir Singh had agreed to resign as jathedar of Akal Takht. It also said Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, who was appointed jathedar by the Panthic Committee, had also agreed to step down.

Baba Manochahal had taken the responsibility to obtain the consent of Bhai Manjit Singh, president of the AISSF, and Bhai Gurjant Singh Rajasthani, chief of the Khalistan Commando Force on the subject. Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Sangha, chief of the B.TK.F. Chiefs of the K.L.O., the Khalistan Armed Force and the Dusht Daman Brigade had also given their written consent, it said.

Baba Thakar Singh would make the announcement on the new Akal Takht chief in a few days.

The note said special emissaries had been sent to Akali leaders, S.G.P.C. members and Chawla and Mehta groups to gain their consent.

The four militant organisations working with the Panthic Committee led by Dr Sohan Singh had also agreed on the choice.

Bhai Shamsher Singh made a fervent appeal to Bhai Ranjit Singh lodged in Tihar Jail awaiting trial in the Nirankari chief murder case to give his consent.

According to sources, among the five eminent personalities chosen to make the announcement regarding General Narinder Singh will be Bhai Gurdey Singh Kaunke and Bhai Ram Singh of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha, besides Baba Thakar Singh. General Natinder Singh will take over as Akal Takht chief after the announcement pending the convening of “Sarbat Khalsa”.

Militant organisations are confident that Jathedar Tota Singh, president of the Akali Dal (L), and Bhai Simranjit Singh Mann, president of the Akali Dal (M), will also ratify the decision. They believe Mr G.S. Tohra will manage to get the consent of the SGPC.

Article extracted from this publication >> September 14, 1990