Shiv Sena: We will send people to Harmandir Sahib to remove the Portrait
Amritsar Sahib (KP) – Soon after the clash with Dera Sacha Sauda, harmony in the Sikh community has once again been disrupted by right-wing Hindu organizations in what is being perceived as yet another war against the Sikh principals and beliefs. The installment of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s portrait at the Ajiab Ghar Museum in Sri Amritsar has led the Shiv Sena and Bhartiya Janata Party to launch fresh attacks on the Sikh community.
Criticism of anti-Sikh organizations augmented the day as the SGPC President declared that the portrait would be installed on November 30. Although the reason behind such courage expressed by Avtar Makkar remains in doubt to everyone, Panthic Jathebandis have expressed appreciation towards the SGPC for carrying out the work which has been pending for years.
The installment ceremony started with kirtan performed by Bhai Harpal Singh, Hazoori Ragi Jatha Sri Harmandir Sahib. Several leaders also took stage and expressed their views on the contributions of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale towards the Sikh Nation. The inauguration ceremony was jointly carried out by Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, Singh Sahib Giani Gurbhachan Singh, Avtar Makkar, Harnaam Singh Dhumma and Bhai Isher Singh. Ardas was performed by Singh Sahib Giani Gurbhachan Singh.
Although the program organized to install the portrait was a low-level function, it has sparked huge confrontations. The BJP has sent several notices to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to once again review its decision to install the portrait at Ajaib Ghar. Complaints have also been sent to Parkash Badal by the BJP seeking his involvement in removing the portrait.
Shiv Sena, the organization responsible for mass murders of Sikhs during the 1980’s and 90’s, has publicly maligned the move by the SGPC and has asked it to remove the portrait. Complaints have also been filed with several high level Government officials by the BJP and Shiv Sena seeking their involvement . In addition, an ultimatum has been issued to Parkash Badal, after which the Shiv Sena will take matters in its own hands.
Shiv Sena Leader Sanjiv Bhardwaj has announced that if the SGPC fails to remove the portrait, vigilantes will be send to the Harmandir Sahib Complex by the organization. In addition, whoever removes the portrait of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale will be rewarded by the Shiv Sena in gold and millions of rupees.
In addition, Bhardwaj declared that all posters of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other Sikh nationalists will be removed from the walls of Punjab by the Shiv Sena. Bhardwaj declared that the Shiv Sena and BJP leaders will be holding meetings with other Hindu organizations based throughout India to deal with the issue of so-called ‘terrorism’ and free speech in Punjab.
On the other hand, Panthic organizations have criticized the comments by Shiv Sena leadership with strong words. S. Simranjit Singh Mann, President Shiromani Akali Dal (A), declared that portraits of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other Sikh Shaheeds (Martyrs) will be installed in all Gurdwara Sahibs and Sikh museums in Punjab. Khalsa Mission Committee Office bearers said that the SGPC should have installed the portrait openly. While condemning the SGPC for holding a low-profile function, Harmandeep Singh Sarhali held that the SGPC should also install pictures of other Sikh Shaheeds such as Bhai Amrik Singh and Bhai Subegh Singh as well.
Why did it take so long for the SGPC to install an image of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji?
I am really proud of such a man who chose shaheedhi over giving up his principles.
Is there any further proof needed as to the position of Sikhs in india? We are no better than slaves in certain respects and worse in others, at least a slave is aware of his slavery. So many Sikhs dont even have this self awareness. Compare the two situations Beanta a mass Sikh murderer is honoured with a public statue in Chandigarh and those who attempt to protest at such a farce are locked up...Wheras we cannot have a portrait of Santji, widely viewed as the greatest Sikh leader in a century,despite the fact that it is in a closed area adjoined to the Sikhs holiest shrine without being threatened....Is this what we have been reduced to?
These shivis can issue threats to come to the Darbar Sahib?T o bring violence to us in our Gurus home? I have thought it many times but for those Sikhs that don't realise it,we will not be allowed to live in india peacefully..it is not our behaviour that will be a deciding factor but that of the majoriety and their communal leaders...all we must decide is whether we shall let history simply happen to us or shall we shape history?
Why do these Hindus think they can tell us what can and what cannot be allowed in OUR museum?
If they do send people to take down Sant Ji's picture, I openly vow to go to Punjab and take part in stopping them.
I fear. What will become of us if these people continue to govern us. I fear that Sikhs in India will either be wiped out or end up as lackeys for the government. Will it come to this. Or will we be left standing a shell of our former selves with only the name of Sikh but with none of the principles. I hope none of my nightmares come true.