Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh on Monday said the December 2, 2024, decree issued by Akal Takht, which pronounced tankhah (religious punishment) on the Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, was aimed at reviving the party and strengthening Panthic unity. He alleged that the subsequent conduct of certain leaders undermined the efforts.
Without naming anyone, Giani Harpreet, in a statement, accused certain individuals of questioning the integrity of the Sikh high priests, humiliating the jathedars and removing them from their positions.
He maintained that the decisions taken at the time were intended to save the Akali Dal and had received a wider acceptance within the Sikh community.
“If they are genuinely committed to the Panthic unity, they should apologise at Akal Takht and seek forgiveness from the Guru and the community,” he said.
He also directed his party leaders to keep the December 2 directives in mind while making statements on unity, asserting that alliances driven by the pursuit of power or positions could neither serve Punjab nor the Sikh community.