ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਕੀਤਾ ਸਪਸ਼ਟ ਕਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ

ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਗਠਨਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਦਬਾਅ ਪਾਏ ਜਾਣ ਮਗਰੋਂ ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਕੀਤਾ ਸਪਸ਼ਟ ਕਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ

ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸਪਸ਼ਟੀਕਰਨ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾਣ ਲਈ ਧੰਨਵਾਦੀ ਹਾਂ : ਮਨਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਿਰਸਾ

ਨਵੀਂਦਿੱਲੀ, 

15 ਸਤੰਬਰ : ਦਿੱਲੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਵਰਗੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਗਠਨਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਕੀਤੇਜ਼ੋਰਦਾਰ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਸਪਸ਼ਟ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਸ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਦੇ ਮੈਂਬਰਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਮਿਕਚਿੰਨ• ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਪਹਿਨਣ 'ਤੇ ਕੋਈ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਲਗਾਈ ਗਈ।

ਦਿੱਲੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਜਨਰਲ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਸ੍ਰ ਮਨਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਿਰਸਾ ਨੇ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ28.8.2017 ਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਨੋਟੀਫਿਕੇਸ਼ਨ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ ਜਿਸ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਉਸਨੇ ਬੰਗਲੌਰ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਵਿਚ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਨਿਯਮ 2016 ਦੀ ਧਾਰਾ ਤਹਿਤਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਗਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਨੋਟੀਫਿਕੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੀ ਬਦੌਲਤ ਇਹ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਲਈ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਪਹਿਨਣ'ਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਗਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ।

ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਹੁਣ ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਦੇ ਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਡਿਪਟੀ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਕੇ ਚਿਰੰਜੀਵੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ 14 ਸਤੰਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਸਪਸ਼ਟੀਕਰਨ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆਕਿ ਇਹ ਖਦਸ਼ਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਵਿਚ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਪਹਿਨਣ 'ਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਗਾਈ ਗਈ  ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਗਲਤ ਹੈ।ਪੱਤਰ ਵਿਚ ਸਪਸ਼ਟ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਕਿ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਨੋਟੀਫਿਕੇਸ਼ਨ ਵਿਚ ਸਿਰਫ ਤੇਜ਼ ਧਾਰ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਤੇ ਮਾਰੂ ਹਥਿਆਰਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਬਲੇਡ 9 ਇੰਚ ਤੋਂ ਲੰਬੇ ਨਾ ਹੋਣ ਤੇ 2 ਇੰਚ ਤੋਂ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਚੌੜੇ ਨਾ ਹੋਣ 'ਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਗਾਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਇਸ ਵਿਚ ਘਰੇਲੂ,ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ, ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀ ਤੇ ਉਦਯੋਗਿਕ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਵਿਚ ਆਉਦ ਵਾਲੇ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਤੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਰੱਖਿਅਕ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਤੇ ਮਸ਼ੀਨੀ ਜੋ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਬਣਾਉਣਲਈ ਵਰਤੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੋਵੇ ਉਪਰ ਕੋਈ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਲਗਾਈ ਗਈ। ਇਹ ਵੀ ਸਪਸ਼ਟ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ  ਕਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਜੋ ਕਿ 9 ਇੰਚ ਤੋਂ ਲੰਬੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਤੇ2 ਇੰਚ ਤੋਂ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਚੌੜੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਉਪਰ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਨਿਯਮ 2016 ਦੇ ਤਹਿਤ ਕੋਈ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਲਗਾਈ ਗਈ।

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਸਿਰਸਾ ਨੇ ਹਿਕਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਕਰਨਾਟਕਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਧੰਨਵਾਦੀ ਹਨ ਜਿਸਨੇ ਨੋਟੀਫਿਕੇਸ਼ਨ ਲਈ ਸਪਸ਼ਟੀਕਰਨ ਜਾਰੀ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਕਿਉਂਕਿਇਸਦੀ ਬਦੌਲਤ ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਵਿਚ ਵਿਆਪਕ ਰੋਸ ਦੀ ਲਹਿਰ ਫੈਲ ਗਈ ਸੀ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਿਕਹਾ ਕਿ ਬੰਗਲੌਰ ਹਵਾਈ ਅੱਡੇ 'ਤੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਮੁਸਾਫਰਜੋ ਕਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਧਾਰੀ ਸਨ, ਨੂੰ ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਵਿਚ ਸਵਾਰ ਹੋਣ ਤੋਂ ਰੋਕਣ ਦੀ ਘਟਨਾ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਮਾਮਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਹੋਰ ਉਲਝਾਇਆ ਸੀ। 

ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਹੁਣਜਦੋਂ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਸਪਸ਼ਟੀਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਉਹ ਆਸ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਅਜਿਹੀਆਂ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਵਿਚ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਣਗੀਆਂ।

ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਹਮਾਇਤ ਲਈ ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਦੇ ਮੈਂਬਰਾਂ ਤੇ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਦਾ ਵੀ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਕੀਤਾ।   PR

KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT WITHDRAWS BAN ON KIRPAN FOR SIKH COMMUNITY

THANKFUL TO KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT FOR CLARIFYING ORDER : MANJINDER SINGH SIRSA

       New Delhi, September 15 : After the strong protest lodged by the sikh organizations including Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC), the Karnataka government has clarified that it has not imposed a ban for sikh community to wear their religious symbol Kirpan.

       The DSGMC General Secretary S. Manjinder Singh Sirsa disclosed that the  Karnataka government had issued  a notification no HD 35 KAA 2017 Dated 28.8.2017  imposing a ban on arms specified in category V of schedule I of the Arms rules 2016 in Bengaluru city.  He said that under the said notification an impression was created that Sikhs have been barred from wearing Kirpan which was their religious symbol.

       He said that now in a clarification letter issued by  Mr. K. Chiranjivi Deputy Secretary Home Department (Law and order) dated 14.9.2017, it has been stated that apprehension expressed that a blanket ban has been imposed on the carrying of the Kirpan in Karnataka  as a symbol  as the religious faith of Sikhs is not correct. In the letter the government has clarified that the said notification issued on 28.8.2017 only bans carrying of sharp edged  and deadly weapons with blades longer than 9" or wider than 2" excluding those designed for domestic, agricultural, scientific or industrial purposes including  weapons called life preservers and machinery for making arms etc. It has been also stated that Kirpan which is not longer than 9" or wider than 2" is not covered under the ban as per Arms rules, 2016.

       Mr. Sirsa said that he was thankful to Government of Karnataka for issuing clarification as his notification has caused a huge resentment among the members of the sikh community. He said that incident of stopping sikh passengers from boarding a flight at the Bengaluru airport had further complicated the matter. He said that now when the government has issued clarification he was hopeful that the same incidents may not occur in future.

       He also thanked all the members of the community as well as media  for expressing their support for this big cause.   PR

DSGMC EXTENDS CAMP ON MINORITY SCHEMES IN GUWAHATI FOR SIKH COMMUNITY

New Delhi, September 13: The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has decided to extend the two day camp meant for bringing awareness among the Sikh population on schemes being run by the Centre and state governments for welfare of the Minorities in the country.

        In a statement released here today, DSGMC President Mr. Manjit Singh GK and General Secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa disclosed that Sikh community in Assam and Meghalaya have given overwhelming response to the two day camp organized by the DSGMC team led by its member Bibi Ranjit Kaur.

        S. Sirsa said that these camps have proved immensely useful for the local sikh population who are happy  and content that DSGMC has organized such camps to get them equipped with the schemes meant for minorities and being run by Central and state governments.

        He further disclosed that on the demands of the local population DSGMC has decided to extend the camp and it will be held on September 15^th from 10.00 to 12.00 at Gurudwara Singh Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gopinath central Guwahati. He urged the   members of the Sikh community to avail this opportunity to get know these schemes which can prove to immensely helpful for them in upbringing their children and for ensuring prosperity and progress in their lives.

        He further said that that centre and state governments have launched a number of schemes for minorities which included Pre Matric (online), Post Matric (online) scheme, Merit Cum Means (online), Paro Pardesh Scheme and Maulana Azad Education Foundation scholarship schemes. He said that there is provision of reimbursement of fees being paid by minorities particularly economic weaker sections. He said that there is also a scheme for education loan on nominal interest rates for those who want to study abroad under the Paro Pardesh Schemes.

                The DSGMC General Secretary also urged the Singh Sabhas formed in different states that they can approach the DSGMC if they want organizing of such camps in their respective areas which can prove to immensely helpful for the Sikh community.   PR

RECONSTRUCT GURDWARA GYAN GODRI SAHIB

SURFACING OF DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE WILL BOOST CAMPAIGN TO RECONSTRUCT GURDWARA GYAN GODRI SAHIB: MANJINDER SINGH SIRSA

New Delhi, September 14 : The Delhi Sikh Management Gurdwara Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary  S. Manjinder Singh Sirsa today said that surfacing of  government documentary evidence of a Gurdwara being there at Subash Ghat near Har ki Pauri will boost up campaign to reconstruct historic Gurdwara Gyan Godri Sahib.

            S. Sirsa said that as per the media reports it has come to light that in civic body settlement record has shown evidence of a gurdwara in place. He said that the municipal corporation record of 1935 depicts existence of a gurdwara near Har ki Pauri. Documents of the Bharat Scouts and Guides office also relate to a gurdwara at the site. He said that surfacing of this evidence will boost up campaign to re-establish the Gurdwara Sahib and sikh community will be thankful to all for its reconstruction when it is done.

It is worth mentioning here that Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Mr. Manjit Singh GK and the Shiormani Gurdwara  Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC) Chief Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar had urged the Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh ji in the matter after which a committee was formed by Jathedar Sahib to pursue the matter.

            He said that Sikhs have been demanding handing over this piece of land as Guru Nanak Dev jia had visited Har Ki Pauri where he meditated and gave sermons in 1504-05. He said that it is  a matter of religious and spiritual attachment for the sikh community. He said that a Gurdwara had existed here in the name of Guru Nanak Dev ji and this piece of land was acquired by the then UP government but never returned to sikh community.

            S. Sirsa further said that it was a matter of great pride for the nation as establishment of Gurdwara where Guru Nanak Dev Ji had meditated proved secular credentials of the country as it is known for  its secularism throughout the world. He said that though a country of different religions and castes this nation has always respected faith of  others. He said that places of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and other sikh Guru Sahiban as well as of other religions are given great respect by all the Indians making it a unique society in the world.  PR

DESIRE OF SUKHBIR BADAL TURNED INTO A CAMPAIGN TO GET ANAND MARRIAGE ACT IMPLEMENTED IN ALL STATES: SIRSA

MEGHALAYA CM, SIKH PRATINIDHI BOARD EASTERN ZONE AND CITY GURUDWARA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE THANK SIRSA FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ACT

New Delhi, September 12: The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary S. Manjinder Singh Sirsa has said that it was desire of the Shiromani Akali Dal President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal which turned into a campaign to get the Anand Marriage Act implemented in all the states of the country.

            In a statement released here today, S. Sirsa said that when the Parliament had passed the Bill on Anand Marriage Act, it was the vision of S. Badal which has turned into a full-fledged campaign and the SAD has succeeded in getting this act implemented in four states, while Delhi, Bihar, UP and Uttrakhand are completing the process to implement the Act and moves are on to get it implemented in all remaining states.

            S. Sirsa said that with the blessings of Almighty and good wishes of S.  Badal, this Act will be implemented throughout India in near future.

            Meanwhile Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Mukul Sangma has thanked S. Sirsa and said that this was a much needed step. He tweeted this message to S. Sirsa.

            In another development Sikh Pratinidhi Board Eastern Zone based at Dhubri Sahib Assam and City Gurudwara Management Committee Shillong Meghalaya have also thanked S. Sirsa for implementation of this Act in Meghalaya. In different letters to S. Sirsa S. Kulwant Singh General Secretary Sikh Pratinidhi Board Eastern Zone and Gurjeet Singh General Secretary City Gurudwara Management Committee thanked him for the initiative of getting this act implemented in their state. They said that this will go a long way in helping the members of the sikh community for getting their marriages registered under the Act. They said it was a long standing demand of the community which has also given a different identity to the community members.   PR

SIKH COMMUNITY SHOCKED AT DECISION OF KIRPAN BAN IN KARNATAKA

New Delhi, September 12: The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary S. Manjinder Singh Sirsa today sought immediate intervention by the Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh in the matter of banning of carrying Kirpan by Karnataka government.

            In a letter written to Home Minister, S. Sirsa said that it has been reported in media that Government of Karnataka has issued an order banning acquisition, possession and carrying of arms without license, specified in category V of the schedule I of the Arms Rules of 2016, in public places under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru city. The banning weapons list includes Kirpan which is religious symbol of the Sikhism and it is inseparable article of faith for the Amritdhari Sikhs and must wear it all the time as per Sikh code of conduct.

            He further said that as per the Constitution of India under the Article 25, Sikhs have been granted exemption to carry kirpan (article of Sikh faith) under freedom of practice of religion. the same article also guarantees the right of members of the Sikh faith to bear a 'KIRPAN AND RELIGIONS REQUIRE NO REGISTRATION'.  It is against the Right to Freedom of Practice of Religion as given in charter of rights contained in Part III of Constitution of India vide Article 25 to 28.

             S. Sirsa said that this decision has come as a shock to the community that Kirpan can be banned in their motherland.  This is a very serious matter and which needs to be addressed immediately by central Govt considering the sentiments of Sikhs.

            Seeking his intervention in matter, he requested him to immediately  intervene in this matter immediately to get the Sikhs exempted against banning of carrying Kirpan in Bengaluru city and issue necessary orders to Bengaluru airport authorities to allow Sikh passengers to board and travel on the plane along with kirpan as a religious symbol as permitted under Civil Aviation Rules.

            S. Sirsa also brought to the notice of Home Minister that in an earlier incident, at the Bengaluru airport, Sikh passengers were forcefully deboarded from the flight and refused to board the flight due to wearing Kirpan as article of faith. Despite knowing the fact Sikh passengers and traveling in domestic flight in India are allowed to carry the kirpan with size 6 inch blade and 3 inch handle on board under Civil Aviation Rules, Govt. of India.

PR

Video of Canadian Sikh politician Jagmeet Singh's calm response to racist rant by woman takes social media by storm

MEGHALAYA BECOMES FOURTH STATE TO IMPLEMENT ANAND MARRIAGE ACT

MEGHALAYA BECOMES FOURTH STATE TO IMPLEMENT ANAND MARRIAGE ACT, BIHAR GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO IMPLEMENT ACT SOON:  MANJINDER SINGH SIRSA

        New Delhi, September 8:   Meghalaya has  become fourth state of the country to implement Anand Marriage Act in the state  and Bihar was completing the process to implement this act in the state.

     Disclosing this is a statement here today, the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa said he had taken up the issue of implementation of the act with the Meghalaya government and was thankful to the state Chief Minister Mr. Mukul Sangma for implementing this act.

He said that its implementation will enable the Sikhs residing in the state to get their marriages registered under the Anand Marriage Act. He said that the sikh community was facing huge problem without is implementation and persons travelling abroad  had to face big embarrassment as  being a sikh their marriages were not registered under the act.

Mr. Sirsa also thanked Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar who has taken keen interest in implementing the act in his state and asked him to provide detail rules framed by different government for its implementation. He said that he has provided a copy of these rules to the Bihar government and was hopeful that this act will be implemented in the state soon.

         S. Sirsa said that he was thankful to almighty who has given him strength to serve the community and was personally thankful to the Shiromani Akali Dal National President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal who had deputed him to get this act implemented in all the states. He said that he was hopeful that now when a campaign has started it will be implemented in all the states soon.

PR

#RyanMustAnswer - IndiaToday TV - B S Vohra

A Ragpickers interview - It can be Life threatening !

ਬਾਦਲ ਦਲ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਹੋਰ ਝਟਕਾ, ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਹਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨਾ ਬਣੇ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ

ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ 3 ਸਤੰਬਰ () ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕੀ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਆਹੁਦੇਦਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਹੋਈ ਚੋਣ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ (ਬਾਦਲ) ਨੂੰ ਉਸ ਵੇਲੇ ਇੱਕ ਹੋਰ ਕਰਾਰਾ ਝਟਕਾ ਲੱਗਾ ਜਦੋ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੀ ਹੋਈ ਚੋਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਦੇ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਜਨਰਲ ਸ੍ਰ ਹਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨਾ ਸਰਬ ਸੰਮਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਚੁਣੇ ਗਏ ਜਦ ਕਿ ਬਾਦਲ ਦਲ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਿਤ ਮੈਂਬਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਹਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਤੱਖ ਦੇਖਦੇ ਹੋਏ  ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਮੂਲੀਅਤ ਕਰਨੀ ਵੀ ਮੁਨਾਸਿਬ ਨਹੀ ਸਮਝੀ ਤੇ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਪਧਾਨ ਅਵਤਾਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਮੱਕੜ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ ਹੀ ਚੋਣ ਹਾਰ ਗਏ।

ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੀ ਅੱਜ ਹੋਈ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਾਦਲ ਦਲ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਿਤ ਤਿੰਨ ਮੈਬਰ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਵਤਾਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਮੱਕੜ, ਗੁਰਿੰਦਰਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਤੇ ਡਾ ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਾਨਪੁਰ ਗੈਰ ਹਾਜਰ ਰਹੇ। ਹਾਊਸ ਦੇ ਕੁੱਲ 15 ਮੈਂਬਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋ 11 ਮੈਬਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਮੂਲੀਅਤ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਵੱਲੋ ਸ੍ਰ ਹਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨਾ, ਸ਼ੈਲਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਟਾਟਾ ਨਗਰ, ਕਮਲਜੀਤ ਕੌਰ, ਚਰਨਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਮਹਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਛਾਬੜਾ, ਆਰ ਐਸ ਗਾਂਧੀ, ਆਰ. ਐਸ. ਅਜੀਤ, ਮਹਾਰਾਜ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੋਨੂੰ, ਸਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ , ਸਰਨਾ ਭਰਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਸੱਜਾ ਹੱਥ ਮੰਨੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਤੇ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਮੀਤ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰ ਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਵਾਲੀਆ ਅਤੇ ਬਾਦਲ ਦਲ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਿਤਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਲੱਕਤਾ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਸਨ। 

ਮੀਟਿੰਗ  ਦੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੁੰਦਿਆ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨਗੀ ਪਦ ਦੇ ਲਈ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰ ਆਰ ਐਸ ਗਾਂਧੀ ਨੇ ਸ੍ਰ ਹਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਤਾਈਦ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਜਨਰਲ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਸ੍ਰ ਚਰਨਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਕੀਤੀ। ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਨਾਮ ਨਾ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਸੂਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਸ੍ਰ ਹਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨਾ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਅਕਾਸ਼ ਗੰਜਾਊ ਨਾਅਰਿਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਨਗੀ ਦੇ ਦਿੱਤੀ। ਇਸੇ ਤਰ•ਾ  ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਮੀਤ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰ ਸ਼ਲਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਟਾਟਾ ਨਗਰ, ਜੂਨੀਅਰ ਮੀਤ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਬੀਬੀ ਕਮਲਜੀਤ ਕੌਰ (ਦੇਵੋ ਬਾਦਲ ਦਲ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਿਤ ਸਨ), ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਣ ਆਹੁਦੇ ਤੇ ਜਨਰਲ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਸ੍ਰ ਚਰਨਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ , ਸਕੱਤਰ ਦੇ ਆਹੁਦੇ ਲਈ ਸ੍ਰ ਮੋਹਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਛਾਬੜਾ ਦੀ ਚੋਣ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ। ਇਸੇ ਤਰ੍ਵਾ ਕਾਰਜਕਰਨੀ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰ ਆਰ ਐਸ ਗਾਂਧੀ, , ਸ੍ਰ ਆਰ ਐਸ ਅਜੀਤ, ਮਹਾਰਾਜ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੋਨੂ, ਸਾਬਕਾ ਜਨਰਲ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਸਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ  ਅਤੇ ਸਰਨਾ ਭਰਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਸੱਜਾ ਹੱਥ ਮੰਨੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਸ੍ਰ ਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਵਾਲੀਆ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ। 

ਇਸੇ ਤਰ•ਾ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਾਦਲ ਦਲ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਿਤ ਸ੍ਰ ਪ੍ਰਿਤਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਲਕੱਤਾ ਵੀ ਹਾਜ਼ਰ ਸਨ ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਇਸ ਚੋਣ ਨਾਲ ਸਹਿਮਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕੀਤੀ। ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਐਸੋਸੀਏਟ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਸ੍ਰ ਸੁਰਿੰਦਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਉਬਰਾਏ ਵੀ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਾਜ਼ਰ ਸਨ ਪਰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕੋਲ ਵੋਟ ਪਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਨਹੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਚੋਣ 'ਤੇ ਸੰਤੁਸ਼ਟੀ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕਰਦਿਆ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਚੋਣ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ•ਾ ਪਾਰਦਕਸ਼ੀ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ। ਬਾਦਲ ਦਲ ਦੇ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਸ੍ਰ ਅਵਤਾਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਮੱਕੜ, ਗੁਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਤੇ ਡਾ. ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮੀਟੰਗ ਵਿੱਚੋ ਗੈਰ ਹਾਜਰ ਰਹੇ ਜਦ ਕਿ ਚੀਫ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਦੀਵਾਨ ਵੱਲੋ ਨਾਮਜਦ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਜਸਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਮੌਤ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕੀ ਹੈ।

ਸ੍ਰ ਹਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਨਾ ਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਬਣਾਏ ਜਾਣ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਕਰਦਿਆ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਗਤ, ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਮੈਬਰਾਨ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨ, ਜਥੇਦਾਰ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਇਕਬਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਤਹਿ ਦਿਲੋ ਧੰਨਵਾਦੀ ਹਨ ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਨਿਮਾਣੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਤੇ ਭਰੋਸ਼ਾ ਕਰਦਿਆ ਮਾਣ ਬਖਸ਼ਦਿਆ ਮੁੱਖ ਸੇਵਾਦਾਰ ਬਣਾ ਕੇ ਸੇਵਾ ਦਾ ਮੌਕਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਇਸ ਸਮੇਂ ਉਹ ਕਿਸੇ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੀ ਆਲੋਚਨਾ ਨਹੀ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਪਰ ਇੰਨਾ ਜਰੂਰ ਕਹਿਣਗੇ ਕਿ ਇਸ ਤੋ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਕਰੀਬ ਦੋ ਸਾਲ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਜਿਹੜੀਆ ਘਾਟਾ ਰਹਿ ਗਈਆ ਹਨ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਪੂਰਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਦਸਮ ਪਿਤਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ 350 ਸਾਲਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਉਤਸਵ ਦੇ ਸਬੰਧ ਵਿੱਚ ਚੱਲਦੇ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਨਾਲੋ ਵੀ ਬੇਹਤਰ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਚਲਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਉਹ ਸ੍ਰ ਸਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਚੇਅਰਮੈਨ ਨਿਯੁਕਤ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ ਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ਼ ਦਿਵਾਉਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਹਰ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਦੇਵੇਗੀ। 

ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਇਸ ਤੋ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਵੀ ਉਹ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਰਹਿ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਹਨ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਨਾਲ ਵੀ ਕੋਈ ਵਿਰੋਧਤਾ ਨਹੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਜਿਹੜੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਸਮਝਦੇ ਹਨ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਲਈ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਦੇਣ ਕਿਉਕਿ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨਗੀਆ ਤਾਂ ਆਉਦੀਆ ਜਾਂਦੀਆ ਰਹਿੰਦੀਆ ਹਨ ਪਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਮਾ ਭਾਗਾਂ ਵਾਲਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਹੀ ਮਿਲਦੀ ਹੈ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ 350 ਸਾਲਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਪੁਰਬ ਦੇ ਸਮਾਗਮ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਬਿਹਾਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਨਾਲ ਵੱਡੀ ਪੱਧਰ ਤੇ ਮਨਾਏ ਜਾਣਗੇ ਅਤੇ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਭਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਲੇਵਾ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਸਮਾਗਮਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਮੂਲੀਅਤ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਖੁੱਲਾ ਸੱਦਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨ ਨੇ ਜਿਹੜੀ 239 ਸਾਲਾ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਸਮਾਜ ਨੂੰ ਸੇਧ ਦੱਤੀ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਸਾਨੀ ਨਹੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਅੱਜ ਇਸ ਸੇਧ ਨੂੰ ਅਪਨਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਸਖਤ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ।ਸ੍ਰ ਸਰਨਾ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਬਨਣ ਤੇ ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਟਨਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਜਥੇਦਾਰ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਇਕਬਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਦੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕੀਤੀ।

Nihang Sikh injured while stopping eve-teasing

AMRITSAR: Unidentified persons opened fire and pelted stones at a Nihang Sikh Gurmeet Singh on Friday night at Tungbala area of Amritsar after he stopped them from harassing women.

Talking to TOI on Saturday, Gurmeet said that he saw some men teasing a few women when he was on his way to visit his relatives.

"I stopped them from molesting the women but instead they attacked me," he allegd.

One of them opened fire, while others pelted stones," he added. In the incident, Gurmeet's leg got fractured.

Amritsar Sadar station house officer (SHO) Sukhbir Singh informed that the police had identified the culprits and have registered a case against them. He informed that none of them has been arrested so far.

with thanks : TOI : LINK

Sarnas get control of Takht Patna Sahib Managing Committee

JALANDHAR: Former president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Harvinder Singh Sarna of Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) was elected as president, Takht Patna Sahib Management Committee, without any opposition from arch rivals Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). The SAD (Badal), apparently pre-empting its defeat, had decided not to field any candidate.

As the outgoing president Avtar Singh Makkar chose to stay away from the election meeting, Harvinder Singh Sarna took over the seat. Shalinder Singh Tata Nagar was elected senior vice president and Kamaljit Kaur was chosen as the junior vice president. Charanjit Singh and Mohinder Singh Chhabra were elected general secretary and joint secretary respectively. The office bearers are elected for a term of two-and-a-half years.

Meanwhile, Makkar remains the member of the committee as the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) nominee. According to sources, rumblings against Makkar were on within the managing committee when the grand celebrations were held to mark 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. However, the members avoided creating any major controversy during the celebrations to avoid embarrassment, said sources.

SAD (Delhi) president Paramjit Singh Sarna alleged that though the SAD (Badal) had made attempts to derail and delay the election, the latter could not hold ground as majority of the members of the managing committee had turned against Makkar. Sarna said they would improve working of the committee and it would be a team work.

with thanks : TOI : LINK

Thank you India, says French family which took shelter at Mumbai gurudwara : Hindustan Times

The French tourist family stuck in Mumbai floods on Tuesday went to three hotels in Dadar looking for a safe place before being directed to the Gurudwara.

“One of our worst experiences in India turned (out) to (be) one of our best and we learnt a lot from you,” read the thank you postcard, written by Arie and Sophie Boleswaski and their three daughters to Dadar Gurudwara. 

The French tourist family stuck in Mumbai floods on Tuesday went to three hotels in Dadar looking for a safe place before being directed to the Gurudwara. “We were lost in the rain, and your Gurudwara appeared like a lighthouse in the dark. Not only you provided us with a shelter, but you welcomed us with extreme kindness,” said Boleswaskis in the thank you note. 

The family was offered dal khichadi for dinner and a small room by the Gurudwara officials as they were concerned about their safety. 

The note. (HT)

“They were one of 750 victims of Mumbai floods who came to the Gurudwara in need of shelter and food. Considering their concerns and the fact that they are our guests, we ensured they are not inconvenienced in any way,” said Kulwant Singh, vice-president of Dadar Singh Sabha. 

Singh said the family was extremely worried after the transportation system of the city collapsed and couldn’t find a safe place to spend the night. “They went about one hotel to another, but couldn’t find a suitable place. That’s when one of the hotel owners, directed them towards us,” said Manpreet Singh, one of the volunteers. 

While the family refused any other special arrangement and chose to sleep on floor after seeing the condition of their fellow victims of the deluge, in the morning they said it was the best night of their life, Kulwant said. 

As the family returned to their home town Paris, France, on Wednesday morning after the roads were cleared and transportation was resumed, but not without donating towards the cause of public welfare. 

“Please accept this small contribution to everything you do for the souls in need. If you happen to come to Paris, please let us know,” said Arie and Sophie Boleswaski in the postcard.

with thanks : HINDUSTAN TIMES : LINK

Thank you India, says French family which took shelter at Mumbai gurudwara

The French family that stayed at a Mumbai Gurudwara during Mumbai rains said THANK YOU INDIA FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF OUR LIFE

Thank you India, says French family which took shelter at Mumbai gurudwara

Thank you India, says French family which took shelter at Mumbai gurudwara.

The French tourist family stuck in Mumbai floods on Tuesday went to three hotels in Dadar looking for a safe place before being directed to the Gurudwara.

By Sadaguru Pandit, Hindustan Times

The family was offered dal khichadi for dinner and a small room by the Gurudwara officials as they were concerned about their safety. (HT)

Updated: Aug 30, 2017 19:47 IST

“One of our worst experiences in India turned (out) to (be) one of our best and we learnt a lot from you,” read the thank you postcard, written by Arie and Sophie Boleswaski and their three daughters to Dadar Gurudwara.

The French tourist family stuck in Mumbai floods on Tuesday went to three hotels in Dadar looking for a safe place before being directed to the Gurudwara. “We were lost in the rain, and your Gurudwara appeared like a lighthouse in the dark. Not only you provided us with a shelter, but you welcomed us with extreme kindness,” said Boleswaskis in the thank you note.

The family was offered dal khichadi for dinner and a small room by the Gurudwara officials as they were concerned about their safety.

The note. (HT)

“They were one of 750 victims of Mumbai floods who came to the Gurudwara in need of shelter and food. Considering their concerns and the fact that they are our guests, we ensured they are not inconvenienced in any way,” said Kulwant Singh, vice-president of Dadar Singh Sabha.

Singh said the family was extremely worried after the transportation system of the city collapsed and couldn’t find a safe place to spend the night. “They went about one hotel to another, but couldn’t find a suitable place. That’s when one of the hotel owners, directed them towards us,” said Manpreet Singh, one of the volunteers.

While the family refused any other special arrangement and chose to sleep on floor after seeing the condition of their fellow victims of the deluge, in the morning they said it was the best night of their life, Kulwant said. 

As the family returned to their home town Paris, France, on Wednesday morning after the roads were cleared and transportation was resumed, but not without donating towards the cause of public welfare.

“Please accept this small contribution to everything you do for the souls in need. If you happen to come to Paris, please let us know,” said Arie and Sophie Boleswaski in the postcard.

Doors open for dera followers to return to Sikh fold: Akal Takht

He added, “I want to make an appeal to all those dera followers with Sikh background to admit their mistake and take corrective steps and return to the faith of Guru Nanak. We will welcome such followers with open arms.”

A day after the family of Dera Sacha Sauda follower Hari Singh, who was killed during the Panchkula violence, returned to Sikhism, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said that doors were open for all dera followers who wanted to come back to Sikhism.

Akal Takht had issued an edict for Sikhs to boycott Dera followers in 2007 after dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim allegedly copied the dress of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.

The edict was followed by series of clashes between Sikhs and dera followers over the years, and many lives were lost on both sides. Talking to media at his office in Amritsar on Tuesday, Akal Takht Jathedar said, “We will welcome any dera follower wants to come back to Sikhism. I would like Sikh organisations to motivate such dera followers to make a return to faith.”

He added, “I want to make an appeal to all those dera followers with Sikh background to admit their mistake and take corrective steps and return to the faith of Guru Nanak. We will welcome such followers with open arms.”

Hari Singh, who hailed from village Bangi Nihal Singh Wala in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, was a dera follower and died of a bullet injury during the violence after security forces opened fire to control the unruly mob in Panchkula last Friday.

Later, family of Hari Singh approached Takht Damdma Sahib, Talwandi Sabo Jathedar Harpreet Singh, and requested that the family be allowed to cremate Hari Singh’s body according to Sikh customs. The family was then also taken back into the Sikh fold by Jathedar Harpreet Singh.

“Verdict on Dera head opened our eyes. Now we feel that my father got killed for nothing. So we decided to come back into Sikhism,” said Rajpal Singh, son of Hari Singh.

Akal Takht Jathedar, meanwhile, said that that one reason behind rise of Dera Sacha Sauda was lack of preaching of Sikhism.

with thanks : Indian Express : LINK : for more details.

‘Assam CM agrees for micro minority status to Sikhs’

Guwahati, Aug 29 (IANS) In response to the demand of Assamese Sikhs, the state government on Tuesday reportedly agreed to accord “micro minority status” to the community.

A delegation of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and representatives of the Assamese Sikhs led by Committee General secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa met Assam Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday in this regard.

“The Chief Minister today (Tuesday) acceded to accord micro minority status to the Assamese Sikh community in the state and provide various facilities for socio, economic and political upliftment of the community,” Sirsa said while addressing a press conference in Guwahati.

He said the Assam government had responded towards their various demands and that the government had also appointed an IAS officer of the state as the nodal officer to coordinate implementation of these demands.

“The Assam Chief Minister has also agreed to implement Anand Marriage Act in the state at the earliest, start service to enable the Sikh community members have darshan of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar and other gurudwaras in the state and also sanctioned an amount of Rs 5 crore for building Community Centre and Eduation Complex in Nagaon,” he added.

Sonowal also agreed to install a statue of General Chetanya Singh, the first sikh General who was sent to Assam with a platoon of 500 Sikh soldiers from Punjab by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during the Burmese attack on the state.

As the history goes, then Ahom King Chandrakanta Singha had sought the help of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1820 when the Burmese attacked the kingdom. The war continued for two years and the Sikh soldiers who survived the war settled in Assam and came to be known as Assamese Sikhs.

Although these Assamese Sikhs are devout Sikhs and sport turban, they have got assimilated in the Assamese culture and most of them do not even know the Punjabi language.

This is published unedited from the IANS feed.

Taken with thanks from india.com : LINK