No celebrations, Golden Temple sees high drama

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 11

Tense moments were witnessed at the Golden Temple complex last evening when a group of youths brandishing swords started raising slogans and show black flags just as Akal Takht Jathedar Gurbachan Singh started delivering the customary address to the Sikh community.

The commotion forced devotees and tourists leave the complex in a panic. The situation was brought under control by the SGPC task force and the policemen deployed there in civvies.

Ignoring “directions” of the Panj Pyaras to prevent the address, the SGPC arranged for the Jathedar’s public address on Bandi Chhor Diwas, which coincides with Diwali, from Darshani Deodi in the Golden Temple complex.

The moment Jathedar started his speech, the youths associated with Dal Khalsa waived black flags. Activists led by group president Paramjit Singh Tanda and vice-president Gurpreet Singh raised slogans and asked the Jathedar to go back and quit.

The situation turned tense as another present among the audience raised counter-slogans.

The SGPC task force and the police swung into action and forced the Dal Khalsa activists out of the complex.

Traditionally, the Jathedar addresses the public around 6 pm, but this time the programme was advanced to 3.30 pm, apparently to dodge those who opposed to him.

In an unexpected development, Dhyan Singh Mand, who has been appointed “officiating jathedar of Akal Takht”, appeared at the Golden Temple complex 30 minutes after Jathedar Gurbachan Singh concluded his address. He was accompanied by his supporters.

Mand delivered his parallel Bandi Chhor Diwas address standing below Akal Takht.

After delivering the message, Mand and his followers entered Akal Takht and paid obeisance.

Attacking the Badal government, Mand said on Bandi Chhor Diwas, sixth Guru Hargobind Singh was released from Gwalior Fort, whereas in present times, the Badal government had put the panthic leaders behind bars. “Their only offence is that they raised their voice against them. The Sikh community should boycott the Badals,” he said.

He was later taken into custody.