Akal Takht Jathedar issues ultimatum to Punjab government
Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Sunday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of targeting Sikh religious institutions through social media. He warned of action if the government fails to shut down two IT centres operating from Chandigarh and Mohali within 10 days.
Gargaj issued the warning at a Panthic congregation called by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in Amritsar. The event drew significant attention from the Sikh community.
Allegations of narrative building
Gargaj alleged that people had been brought from Delhi to build narratives against Sikh institutions. He specifically pointed to two IT centres in Chandigarh and Mohali that he claimed were involved in such activities. “If the activities continue, the Khalsa Panth will be forced to take action,” he said.
The AAP's Punjab chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal did not respond to calls seeking his reaction to the allegations.
SGPC president expresses community support
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the gathering reflected the community’s support for the decision taken by the five high priests. The congregation was seen as a show of unity among Sikh leaders.
Background of tensions
The demand to close the IT centres comes amid ongoing tensions between Sikh religious bodies and the state government. The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, has previously criticized the AAP government for various policies.
Gargaj’s ultimatum underscores the growing friction, with the Sikh leadership accusing the government of interfering in religious affairs. The 10-day deadline adds urgency to the situation, and any failure to comply could lead to further escalation.
