AMRITSAR: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh in his message to Sikh Community on eve of Bandi Chhod divas has called to end internal conflict and unitedly work for peace and propserity and to defeat the enemies of Panth. He asked the Sikhs to remain committed to Akal Takht and observe Sikh rehat maryada.
Jathedar however restrained from directly commenting on parallel Sikh Jathedars appointed by Sarbat Khalsa. He had given responsibility of maintaining peace in the Golden Temple complex to the Punjab Government. The radical Sikh Jathedar Dhian Singh Mand had threatened to give message to community from Akal Takht. Police had made fool proof arrangements to prevent any untoward incident.
Giani Guerbachan Singh expressed his concern over delay in giving punishment to accused of sacrilege of holy Guru Granth Sahib. He sought to identify and punish the culprits. He also told Sikhs to perform functions of their Anand Karaj, birth and death in the Gurdawara permises only. He said taht Sikh ceremonies have become very costly and only beneficieries are hotels and marriage palaces.He said that it was matter of concern that Sikhs were taking loans to perform family functions.He said that one of the reasons for suicides by farmers is indebtness due to high cost of ceremonies.
Jathedar demanded to release all Sikhs lodged in jails after completing their sentence. he told Punjab and center governments to do the needful.
Giani Gurbachan Suingh called upon village Panchayats and Sikhs in particular to fight against menace of drugs. He told them to pass resolutions in villages for removal of liquior vends. He appealed to women to come forward for the cause.