Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on Saturday said all Sikhs want Khalistan and if the Indian government gives it, they shall take it. He was responding to questions at a press conference on the occasion of the 36th ‘Ghallughara Diwas’, the anniversary of Operation Blue Star.
At the press conference, asked about sloganeering at Akal Takht in favour of Khalistan during and after his anniversary speech, the Jathedar said:
“There is nothing wrong if slogans are raised after the function. If the government gives us Khalistan, what more can we ask for? We shall accept it. Every Sikh wants Khalistan.” The Jathedar then went on to clarify: “Guru Nanak Dev Ji had laid the foundation of the Begampura. Guru Hargobind Singh founded Akal Takht. It is our great sovereign commitment.”
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal, who was present during the media interaction, endorsed the jathedar’s stance, saying “if the government offers it, it will be acceptable to us”.
Earlier, a bhog ceremony, ardas and kirtan were performed at the Takht in memory of those killed in Operation Bluestar.
The function was held amid tight security and the media was barred from covering the event inside the Golden Temple complex.
Supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) had a minor scuffle with the police at the entrance of Golden Temple when they were prevented from entering the shrine to attend the function. They were allowed in after they held a demonstration.
During the function, which was held amid heavy rain, the Jathedar delivered his sandesh (address) and pointed out to police restrictions for devotees at the Golden Temple. “Sikhs lack unity. This is the why there are these restrictions,” he said.
A majority of people in the gathering were SGPC employees and police in plainclothes.
Despite making efforts, the police and SGPC staff could not ensure social distancing inside the complex to prevent the spread of Covid-19.