The Damdami Taksal has sought the cooperation of all sections of society, including those with political affiliations, to come forward and extend support to a memorial coming up inside the Golden Temple complex to commemorate those who lost their lives during Operation Bluestar in 1984.
A statement issued by Taksal head Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma called upon the critics of the memorial to "remove all doubts and misconceptions from their minds" about the motive behind this 'historic' memorial in the shape of a gurdwara.
"The gurdwara (memorial) will be built as per the directions and traditions of the Harmandar Sahib and the Akal Takht. Guru Granth Sahib will be placed inside the gurdwara where only Gurbani will be recited," said the statement.
Tracing the history of the Taksal, Baba Dhuma said the seminary founded by Baba Deep Singh had always made appreciable contributions to the country. The Taksal strongly believes in the "welfare of humanity and principle of universal brotherhood", said Baba Dhuma.
The statement by the Taksal comes following widespread criticism by various political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, an ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). These parties had expressed fears that such memorials would come handy for anti-national elements and militant groups to disturb peace and tranquillity in Punjab.
Though SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar and the radical groups had come out in public in defence of the memorial, the Taksal, which has been assigned the task of its construction, had so far remained silent.
{{/usCountry}}Though SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar and the radical groups had come out in public in defence of the memorial, the Taksal, which has been assigned the task of its construction, had so far remained silent.
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