Rejecting Balwant Singh Rajoana’s appeal for reviewing the ‘zinda shaheed’ (living martyr) status, the Akal Takht said the title would stand against the name of the Babbar Khalsa militant.
The decision to reject Rajoana’s appeal was taken at a meeting of the Sikh head priests here on Monday. The meeting was attended by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, Takht Keshgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Tirlochan Singh, Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Takht Patna Sahib head Giani Iqbal Singh and head granth of Takht Hazoor Sahib, Nanded, Giani Partap Singh.
Addressing the media later, Giani Gurbachan Singh issued a stern warning to various Panthic groups that have given a call for Punjab bandh on March 28 and have also announced to take out protest marches from the three Takhts in Punjab to Patiala on March 29 and 30.
“The programme issued by the Akal Takht in its March 23 hukamnama (edict) is final. The entire Sikh community must abide by it as Rajoana belongs to the entire community and not to any particular group or party,” he added.
He again called upon Sikhs to sport kesri (saffron) turbans or dupattas on March 28 and hoist the kesri flag atop houses or on the front of their vehicles to show their resentment against the denial of justice to the community.
He said members of the community should halt their routine work and offer prayers for the chardi kala of Rajoana on March 28. He again appealed to Sikhs to remain calm and not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
{{/usCountry}}He said members of the community should halt their routine work and offer prayers for the chardi kala of Rajoana on March 28. He again appealed to Sikhs to remain calm and not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
{{/usCountry}}“We will issue a fresh schedule of progammes if the hanging is carried out on March 31,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh.