Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht, the supreme Sikh authoritative body, spoke to Indian media this week and said “If the government offers Khalistan, what else can we ask for? All Sikhs want Khalistan; we will accept it.”
The comments were made by Giani Harpreet Singh to media this week following Sikh demonstrations in commemoration of The Battle of Amritsar, also referred to as Operation Blue Star, which occurred 36 years ago this week, leading to the beginning of the Sikh genocide.
Note- The Sikh Press Association recognise there are various opinions on the role of Giani Harpreet Singh. Many feel it is more appropriate to refer to him as the current acting Jathedar, due to the fact revered activist Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara was selected as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht in the 2015 Sarbat Khalsa (Khalsa formal assembly meeting). Our references to Giani Harpreet Singh as Jathedar are in no way an attempt to undermine the position of Jathedar Hawara.
During the demonstrations pro-Khalistan slogans were chanted by the crowd, leading to questions about the Akal Takht position on the issue. The statement by Giani Harpreet Singh is similar to that of revered Sikh leader that led the 1984 movement, Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale who said he was neither for nor against Khalistan, but it would be accepted if offered, stated in relation to protest negotiations in the 1980s. Perhaps even more importantly and prophetically, Sant Jarnail Singh said during the time that “If the Indian government invade the Darbar Sahib complex, the foundation stone for Khalistan will be laid”. The Indian government of course went on to attack the holy Sikh site with a force including 10,000+ soldiers, tanks and helicopters.
The comments from such a high status Sikh figure will be welcomed by many Sikhs across the world, who have long continued support for the Khalistan movement which became ratified as a panthic (Sikh community/path) objective during the 1986 Sarbat Khalsa.
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