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The clarification from the two AAP leaders was heard by Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj. During the proceedings, Sond clarified that he would recommend to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann the appointment of an official in the Tourism Department who is well-versed in Sikh history, culture and the Sikh code of conduct, to avoid such controversies in the future.
Amritsar: On the directions of the five Sikh high priests, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Sond and Chief Khalsa Diwan president and AAP MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar appeared before the Akal Takht in Amritsar on Monday.
The appearance followed objections raised over a painting displayed at the Bhai Jeevan Singh Memorial in Anandpur Sahib, depicting Guru Gobind Singh wearing shoes while administering amrit to Bhai Jaita Ji. The matter had triggered strong reactions from Sikh bodies.
The clarification from the two AAP leaders was heard by Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj. During the proceedings, Sond clarified that he would recommend to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann the appointment of an official in the Tourism Department who is well-versed in Sikh history, culture and the Sikh code of conduct, to avoid such controversies in the future.
Inderbir Singh Nijjar, meanwhile, assured the Takht that he would strictly abide by the Chief Khalsa Diwan’s constitution, which mandates that only amritdhari Sikhs may be members of the body.
It may be recalled that on November 18, Jathedar Gargaj had directed Sond to appear before the Akal Takht within a week to explain, while the director of the Tourism Department was asked to submit a written clarification. Sond could not appear at that time due to his engagement in events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.
Earlier, on November 11, Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, had sought a public apology from the Punjab government and demanded the immediate removal of the controversial painting from the memorial.
