JAMMU, Jul 2: The Sikh United Front J&K, along with several Sikh organisations, on Thursday welcomed and appreciated the decision of Sri Akal Takht Sahib regarding concerns over the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 passed by the Punjab Government.
Addressing a press conference, Chairman of Sikh United Front J&K S. Sudarshan Singh Wazir began with the slogan, “Akal Takhat Mahan Hai, Sikh Panth Di Shaan Hai.” He said the Sikh community has once again demonstrated its unwavering faith in Sikh traditions, institutions and the authority of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Wazir welcomed the directive issued by Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, who summoned legislators from different political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and Independent members, to explain their position after objections were raised to the anti-sacrilege legislation. He said it was concerning that several legislators reportedly admitted they had not read the Bill before it was passed, reflecting a serious lapse in the legislative process.
He alleged that attempts were being made to place politics above religion, asserting that Sikh philosophy recognises religion as the guiding force for governance. Wazir said no government legislates on the interpretation of sacred scriptures of other religions and questioned why Sikh religious matters should be subjected to legislative interpretation. Recalling the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, he said it was enacted to regulate gurdwara management and not to interpret Sikh doctrine.
Wazir also expressed concern over the proposed amendments to the administration of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, alleging that the Maharashtra Government had proposed increasing government-nominated members in its management body. He said the proposal has been kept in abeyance following widespread opposition from the Sikh community.
Highlighting the Sikh community’s contribution, Wazir said Sikhs have made immense sacrifices for religious freedom, justice and the nation, including during India’s freedom struggle, the wars of 1947-48, 1965, 1971 and the Kargil conflict. He also referred to the farmers’ movement, stating that sustained protests led to the repeal of the farm laws.
He concluded by stating that Sikhs across the world would peacefully unite under the leadership of Sri Akal Takht Sahib whenever required to safeguard Sikh religious institutions. He also appreciated the legislators who appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, accepted its authority and assured corrective measures.
Among those present were S. Darbinder Singh, President, Shiromani Akali Dal J&K; S. Mohinder Singh, Chief Organizer, Bhai Kanhaiya Nishkam Sewa Society J&K and former DGPC member; S. Rajinder Singh, General Secretary, Shiromani Akali Dal J&K; S. Gajjan Singh, President, J&K Motor Transport Company Association; S. Ravinder Singh Sarpanch, General Secretary, Shiromani Akali Dal J&K; S. Kulwant Singh Khajuria, Joint Secretary, Shiromani Akali Dal J&K; S. Charan Singh Bali, Convenor, Kashmir Province; S. Harpreet Singh Chhotu, President, Youth Akali Dal J&K; S. Surinder Singh Dutt; S. Surjeet Singh Kukoo, President, Sikh Naujawan Sabha J&K; S. Manmohan Singh, Chairman, Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Gole Gujral; Prof. Yudhvir Singh, former Corporator; S. Jagmohan Singh, President, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sector-14, Nanak Nagar; S. Kulwant Singh, S. Kultar Singh, S. Tejpal Singh, S. Charanveer Singh (Laad) and Daljeet Singh.