Beard protest: Sarpanch appears at Akal Takht

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 22

Sarpanch Harbhajan Singh, who had trimmed his beard to lodge a protest against the Moga DC, submitted his apology before the Akal Takht today. The issue will be discussed at the five high priests’ meeting.

Seeking the restoration of potable water supply to Bahona village in Moga district, Harbhajan had taken the “extreme step” after he was allegedly snubbed at the DC’s office on May 19.

The PSPCL had snapped the power connection of the tubewell that supplies potable water to Bahona in the wake of non-payment of pending bills by the panchayat, resulting in a water crisis.

“I trimmed my beard in a distressed state of mind, but now I realise that it was a wrong move. I admit my mistake and seek apology from the whole community. That’s why I appeared before the Akal Takht Jathedar,” he said.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said, “It is a sensitive issue which has damaged the sanctity of the Sikh religion. It will be taken up in the meeting.”