Akal Takht rejects Punjab govt's reply on anti-sacrilege law amendments, says June 29 assurance not honoured
PTC Web Desk: The acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has rejected the Punjab Government's response on the proposed amendments to the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, describing it as "unsatisfactory" and saying it does not honour the assurances given before Akal Takht on June 29.
He said the government's reply makes it clear that it is not willing to amend the proposed law in line with the sentiments of the Sikh community and the recommendations submitted by the Sikh faith's highest temporal seat.
Addressing the media, the Jathedar said Sikh MLAs and Cabinet ministers had appeared before Akal Takht on June 29 and assured the Sikh leadership that the objectionable provisions in the proposed law would be removed. However, he said the reply submitted by the Punjab government does not reflect that commitment.
According to the Jathedar, only around 10 per cent of the objections and recommendations raised by Akal Takht have been accepted by the government, making the response unacceptable.
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Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the response received from the state government is not satisfactory and cannot be accepted in its present form.
He also claimed that the Punjab government did not maintain proper coordination with Akal Takht while preparing its response on the proposed amendments.
The Punjab Home Department on Wednesday submitted a 24-page response to the Akal Takht Secretariat through MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar and the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar. The document addresses the 12 objections and suggestions raised by Akal Takht regarding the proposed legislation.
Among the major points, the government refused to remove the controversial word "custodian" from the proposed law. Instead, it defended the use of the term through a detailed explanatory note attached to the legislation.
While rejecting the government's response, Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the doors for dialogue remain open if the Punjab Government wishes to continue discussions on the proposed law.
He announced the formation of a committee that will engage with the government on the issue.
The committee includes retired Justice Rupinder Singh Sodhi, retired Justice Mahinder Mohan Singh Bedi, senior advocate Puran Singh Hundal, Sikh scholar Dr Kehar Singh Patiala, Professor Jagmohan Singh of Ludhiana, and SGPC Secretary Lakhvir Singh, who will serve as the coordinator.
Responding to a question regarding a request made by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa for guidance ahead of the Punjab Assembly session, the Jathedar said Sikh legislators should limit their interaction to the Speaker and participate only in the proceedings of the House.
He further advised that Sikh MLAs should avoid any interaction with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and should not respond to any remarks directed towards them by the Chief Minister.
Bajwa had sought written guidance from Akal Takht on the matter before the Assembly session.
- PTC NEWS
