In a significant development within Sikh religious affairs, the organizers and key figures associated with the landmark 2015 Sarbat Khalsa have formally declared their rejection of all decisions made by the current officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj. They have leveled serious allegations, claiming he operates without the broad support of the Sikh community and is influenced by a narrow group, particularly one family.
Unanimous Resolution Against Recent Edicts
The rejection was formalized during a crucial meeting held on Tuesday night. The gathering saw the participation of prominent Sikh leaders, including the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht, Dhian Singh Mand, and other influential figures like Mohkam Singh, Satnam Singh Manawa, and Wassan Singh Zaffarwal. Jarnail Singh Sakhira, a central organizer of the 2015 congregation, stated that the attendees reached a unanimous decision.
They resolved to reject all recent and any future decisions taken by Giani Gargaj, especially those perceived as safeguarding the political interests linked to a specific family rather than representing the collective will, or 'Panthic' will, of the Sikh community.
A Specific Decision Cited as Cause for Concern
The leaders pointed to a specific event to justify their stance. They highlighted the controversial decision from December 2, where religious atonement was granted to certain Shiromani Akali Dal leaders. According to Sakhira, this move severely damaged the credibility of the Sikh high priests involved, notably the former officiating jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh, within the wider community.
This instance, they argue, is a glaring example of the Akal Takht's supreme temporal authority being misused for partisan political gains instead of serving the spiritual and ethical needs of the Panth.
Grassroots Mobilization and International Outreach Planned
Moving beyond mere declarations, the group has outlined a concrete action plan to take their message directly to the Sikh populace. Dhian Singh Mand announced that teams will be formed to visit villages across Punjab. Their mission will be to educate the local Sikh congregations on why, in their view, Giani Gargaj lacks the legitimacy and empowerment to make binding Panthic decisions.
In a parallel effort to garner wider support, a separate delegation will embark on visits to Sikh diaspora communities abroad. They intend to meet with religious and political leaders in these countries to expose what they describe as the systematic exploitation of the Akal Takht's authority for narrow, politically motivated interests.
This development signals a deepening rift within the Sikh religious leadership and sets the stage for a potential large-scale ideological and organizational campaign challenging the current authority at the Akal Takht.
