Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will appear before the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Thursday. This follows a summons over alleged remarks on the Sikh code of conduct and an objectionable video. The CM is expected to arrive barefoot via the heritage path, paying obeisance at the Golden Temple first.
Elaborate Security Arrangements in Place
Ahead of Mann's appearance, police have implemented tight security around the Akal Takht Sahib and Golden Temple complex. A heavy deployment of personnel in civilian attire—white kurtas, pyjamas, and red turbans—has been stationed across the premises. This marks the first time such attire has been adopted as a special-duty uniform inside the temple.
Special langar arrangements have also been made for the deployed personnel since Wednesday night. Police generally avoid wearing uniforms while on duty inside the Golden Temple, but this unique measure underscores the sensitivity of the event.
Discussions Expected to Cover Multiple Issues
Sources indicate that the interaction could touch upon several matters. Apart from the CM's remarks and the alleged video, discussions may include the issue of 328 missing saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib from Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee records. This matter is linked to an FIR against 16 individuals.
Despite a cold and smoke-laden day in Amritsar, devotees continued to visit the Golden Temple and Sri Akal Takht Sahib without disruption. Many expressed their views on the CM's appearance.
Devotees Share Their Perspectives
Baldev Singh, a visitor from Muktsar celebrating his daughter's birthday at the temple, said, "It is good that CM Mann is coming as a humble Sikh. Nobody is above Sri Akal Takht Sahib."
Narinder Singh from Jalandhar emphasized the responsibility of the Akal Takht leadership. "It will be on the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar to remain neutral. Otherwise, those who wish to harm Sikhs could take advantage of the situation," he stated.
Harmeet Singh from Amritsar described the situation as unfortunate. "All sides are responsible. Politicians are interested only in politics and try to use everything for their benefit. History shows that whoever has tried to use the Akal Takht Sahib for personal gain has faced consequences," he remarked.
Historical Context of Summons
This is the third instance of a sitting Punjab chief minister being summoned by the Akal Takht. Parkash Singh Badal was summoned in 1979 following the Sikh-Nirankari clash. Surjit Singh Barnala was declared tankhaiya, or guilty of violating the Sikh religious code, in 1986 over the Indian Army action at the Golden Temple.
CM Mann's Schedule Adjustments
Due to his scheduled appearance at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, CM Mann will be unable to attend an event at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar with President Droupadi Murmu. Officials confirmed he will also not receive the President at the airport, as he must reach the Akal Takht around noon.
The interaction is set to occur between noon and 2 pm at the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat. All eyes are on this significant event, blending religious protocol with political accountability.
