Chandigarh, Punjab: A section of Sikh leaders are unhappy over the pardoning of the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh by Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion, calling the move politically motivated as well as a betrayal with their community.
"This decision has hurt the principles of Akal Takht and it is a betrayal with the Sikh community," former Akal Takht Jathedar, Joginder Singh Vedanti said on Friday.
As Akal Takht Jathedar in 2007, Mr Vedanti had issued the 'Hukamnama' (edict) against the Dera chief for attiring himself as the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.
Making a case for representatives of all Sikh organizations, scholars and intellectuals to be consulted before taking the decision, just like it was done in 2007, Mr Vedanti said, "Representatives of Sikh organisations should have been called at Akal Takht and taken into confidence before announcing the decision... The letter of apology should be made public to let people know about its contents."
"It is the first time in Sikh history that a man without presenting himself at Akal Takht and who has not sought an apology, has been pardoned. He (Dera head) has only given his clarification," he said.
"It is most unfortunate that Sikh clergy took this decision against the wishes of Sikhs," the organizations said.
"This decision has hurt the principles of Akal Takht and it is a betrayal with the Sikh community," former Akal Takht Jathedar, Joginder Singh Vedanti said on Friday.
As Akal Takht Jathedar in 2007, Mr Vedanti had issued the 'Hukamnama' (edict) against the Dera chief for attiring himself as the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.
Making a case for representatives of all Sikh organizations, scholars and intellectuals to be consulted before taking the decision, just like it was done in 2007, Mr Vedanti said, "Representatives of Sikh organisations should have been called at Akal Takht and taken into confidence before announcing the decision... The letter of apology should be made public to let people know about its contents."
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"It is the first time in Sikh history that a man without presenting himself at Akal Takht and who has not sought an apology, has been pardoned. He (Dera head) has only given his clarification," he said.
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"It is most unfortunate that Sikh clergy took this decision against the wishes of Sikhs," the organizations said.
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