Written by Daljit Singh
Friday, June 08, 2007
AMRITSAR: Top Akali Dal leadership was virtually missing totally from the function held at Akal Takht Sahib on June 6 morning (India time) to observe the 23rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar where Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti gave a call to use both “Shastar and Shaastar” (arms and scriptures) to fight against the menace of deravaad which is eating into the innards of Sikhism.
While no slogans were raised, many placards announcing ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ and “Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale Amar Rahe’ were placed all over the place and many families of those martyred during the Operation Bluestar had converged at the Akal Takht to observe the day from which the ruling Akali Dal kept a safe distance.
SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar was present but did not make any speech on the occasion while Vedanti read out a carefully crafted statement as his message to the Sikh quom which was a lot of word play and an exercise in political correctness. Vedanti said the Sikh history was full of many instances of sacrifices.
The Akal Takht jathedar made it clear that come what may, the dera heads of Sacha Sauda Sirsa, Ashutosh and Bhaniarawala will not be spared. “Kade vi nahi bakhshe jaan ge,” he said.
Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma was also present, as were Bhai Daljit Singh of Akali Dal (Amritsar) and Kanwarpal Singh of Dal Khalsa. Bhai Daljit Singh made a short speech after the official function was over and the sangat sat peacefully in rapt attention listening to his speech.
The Damdami Taksal is also observing the day separately at Chowk Mehta where the bhog of Sri Akhand Path was to be organized. Advertisements were placed about the event by the Taksal in various Punjabi newspapers in the region.
With thanks from World Sikh News.