Punjab: Deadlock between Sikh Takhts ends

Punjab: The deadlock between Akal Takht and Takht Sri Patna Sahib ended on Monday with Takht Sri Patna Sahib apologising to the supreme religious leader of the Sikhs. In a letter sent to the Akal Takht, five Sikh religious leaders of Takht Patna Sahib withdrew all old orders declaring Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Tek Singh as “tankhaiya”. They announced that all orders passed by them on May 21 and July 5 have been withdrawn.

Later, the Akal Takht also withdrew the orders issued against the management of Takht Patna Sahib during a meeting of the five Sikh religious leaders led by Giani Gargaj. Akal Takht sources said efforts were underway to defuse tensions, which eventually yielded positive results.On July 12, the Takht Patna Sahib management had requested Giani Gargaj to review his decisions. Takht Patna Sahib apologised and said that they are and will remain devoted to the highest religious place of the Sikhs – Akal Takht. In the interest of Panthic unity and the larger interests of the Khalsa religion, they requested Giani Gargaj to review the decisions and sought more time to present their side.