Post bhog row, Dalit family, gurdwara panel strike deal

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, January 21

Manwala resident Kaka Singh and his family, who had accused village gurdwara committee of not allowing them to perform the “bhog” of their mother on January 17, today entered into a compromise with the committee members at the Dhuri Sadar police station.

Bhupinder Singh Bhalwan, an SGPC member, said: “The committee members have apologised from Kaka Singh at the police station and both parties have signed a compromise without any pressure on eithery party.”

The Manwala Sangharsh Committee, which includes various Sikh associations, has accused the police of pressuring the Dalit family. They demanded public apology from the gurdwara management.

Its members said Dalits should not have been taken to police station in their absence. “Last evening, I got a call from Kaka Singh’s family that influential villagers were pressuring them for a compromise. It is not acceptable. The gurdwara committee members will have to apologise publicly,” said Harpal Kaur, president, Punjab Majahabi Sikh Balmik Bhalai Front.

Members of the United Akali Dal, Ragi Granthi Sabha, Sangrur and Panthak Sewa Lehar were also present.

Gurpartap Singh, SHO, said Kaka Singh had compromised with the gurdwara committee without any pressure. Kaka Singh too said: “Nobody forced me for a compromise. I want to close this matter now.”

Some villagers alleged that since 50 per cent votes in their village are of Dalits, village sarpanch Harpal Singh was provoking Dalits to get their votes in panchayat elections.

Ishar Singh, a member of the gurdwara committee, said: “Since I contested the elections against Harpal, he is instigating Dalits against me to settle political scores. We never prevented Dalits from using the gurdwara.” Harpal Singh has denied the allegations.