Amritsar, July 26 — Taking strong note of complaints from the Sikh community over a recent government-organised event in Srinagar, the Akal Takht has summoned Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Director of the State Language Department, Jaswant Singh, to appear before the Sikh clergy on August 1.
The event, held to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, drew sharp criticism for incorporating what many called inappropriate elements such as dance and musical performances. Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said both officials have been directed to present their clarifications before the collective assembly of the five Sikh high priests at the Akal Takht.
“Despite the gravity of the issue and the passage of considerable time, neither the minister nor the director has come forward to explain or apologise,” Jathedar Gargaj said. “Those in constitutional positions carry an elevated responsibility. Their silence on a matter of such religious sensitivity is unacceptable.”
Calling the situation unprecedented, Gargaj added, “This is the first time in history that a commemoration of a Sikh Guru’s martyrdom has been accompanied by songs, dance and entertainment. Such conduct is entirely contrary to Sikh values and cannot be tolerated.”
He said the August 1 meeting will not only hear explanations from Harjot Singh Bains and Jaswant Singh but will also discuss broader Panthic and religious concerns arising from the incident.
Jathedar Gargaj also confirmed that singer Bir Singh, whose participation in the event had sparked criticism, visited the Akal Takht on Friday and offered an apology. “His statement and gesture will also be taken up during the upcoming deliberations,” he said.
Akal Takht secretariat in-charge Bagicha Singh confirmed that formal summons have been issued to both Bains and Jaswant Singh, instructing them to appear before the clergy.
The Akal Takht’s move underscores the seriousness with which the Sikh temporal authority is treating what it considers a breach of sanctity in commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom.
