AMRITSAR (TIP): A group of Sikh historians, intellectuals, teachers, religious leaders and veteran Akali leaders has appealed to all Panthic organisations to show “due respect to Sikh tenets and traditions” before terming the November 10 congregation, proposed to be held at Chabba village in the district, as Sarbat Khalsa.

“We must understand the Panthic rules and conventions that govern Sarbat Khalsa which, like the Akal Takht, is a very important institution of Sikhism. So, kindly do not refer to every gathering of Sikhs as Sarbat Khalsa,” former jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Giani Kewal Singh said at a meeting. The meeting was called by Giani Kewal Singh in his capacity as head of the Panthic Talmel Sangathan, a group that holds seminars and talks on Sikhism and has been protesting against the recent incidents of sacrilege.

Former SGPC secretary Manjit Singh Calcutta, too, observed that the term ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ should not be used for the November 10 event. “The institution of Sarbat Khalsa has a history attached to it and it is governed by a set of rules, principles and traditions that have evolved over the years,” he added.

HT