Standoff between Sikh Takhts ends

The standoff between the Akal Takht and Takht Sri Patna Sahib has come to an end as the latter apologised to the Sikhs’ highest temporal seat on Monday.

In a mail to Akal Takht, five Sikh high priests of Takht Patna Sahib withdrew all past decrees declaring SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Tek Singh — “tankhaiya”. They announced that all edicts passed by them on May 21 and July 5 stood withdrawn.

Later, Akal Takht also withdrew the edicts issued against the management of Takht Patna Sahib during a meeting of the five Sikh high priests held under Giani Gargaj.

Sources in Akal Takht said efforts had been going on to diffuse the tension, which eventually bore positive result.

On July 12, management of Takht Patna Sahib had requested Giani Gargaj to review its decisions.

Seeking apology, Takht Patna Sahib stated that they were dedicated to supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs — Akal Takht and would remain so.

For the Panthic unity and larger interests of the Khalsa religion they requested Giani Gargaj to review the decisions and demanded more time to present their side.

Punjab