7 hours Ago By Yudhvir Rana
Sikh factions rally behind Badal shooter, demand title for him AMRITSAR: Panthic organisations, not aligned with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), have rallied to oppose the demand for excommunicating Narain Singh Chaura , who tried to assassinate SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on December 4 at the Golden Temple . The Panthic factions met here on Wednesday to discuss Sikh sentiments, political situation in Punjab, and the honour and dignity of religious places. The group is expected to announce their next course of action on Thursday.
It is learnt that Panthic functionaries have urged the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht , Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, to lead the movement and announce the conferment of "Panth Rattan" title upon Chaura, in consideration of the broader sentiments of the Sikh community. "Chaura's action largely reflects the prevailing sentiment and the deep dismay and utter disappointment felt by the people of Punjab, especially Sikhs, towards SAD," Bhai Jarnail Singh Sakhira, one of the functionaries present at the meeting, said. "Many believed SAD represented their interests, but over time, the party became more focused on safeguarding the future of a select few, promoting nepotism, while neglecting Panthic sentiments.
This was evident when SAD functionaries themselves admitted to committing sins and mistakes during their tenure. People are increasingly resentful of the lenient punishments given to those responsible," Sakhira added. Meanwhile, Chaura's son, Baljinder Singh Bajwa, said his father had met Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on the day he attempted to assassinate Sukhbir.
J S Randhawa, Chaura's counsel, said police have filed a petition that SGPC was not cooperating and had not yet provided CCTV footage. He said the court has sent Chaura to police remand till Dec 14. Dhami didn't respond to attempts to contact him to comment on the matter.
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