Akal Takhat Sahib Jathedaar confirms 2006 Sandesh still applies

Press Release and Sangat Update
Dudley, UK - 22 May 2011

Akal Takhat Sahib Jathedaar confirms 2006 Sandesh still applies

Clarification on letter to Ramgarhia Sikh Temple, Birmingham 

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

As the UK Sangat may be aware, 5 Singh Sahibaan (including Jathedaar of Akal Takhat Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji) were present in the UK in the last week. The UK Sangat took this opportunity to seek the support and encouragement of Akal Takhat Sahib's Jathedaar for the Satkaar Campaign. Sevadaars have been informed that the Jathedaar gave statements supporting the Satkaar Campaign in Derby on Saturday 14 May, in Gravesend on Sunday 15 May, in West Bromwich on Monday 16 May and in Central London at Central Gurwara (Khalsa Jatha) on Wednesday 18 May 2011.

Importantly, the Jathedaar and his PA, Bhai Jaswinder Pal Singh Ji, confirmed that the 2006 Sandesh still applies in full force, and it is not superseded in any way by a letter from Akal Takhat Sahib to Ramgarhia Sikh Temple, Birmingham dated 31 March 2011. This letter is attached below:

As the Sangat will see, this letter is very vague and it does not suggest that the 2006 Sandesh has been revoked. Unfortunately, we are aware that certain Gurdwara committees may be seeking to use this letter to continue justifying/re-starting their Manmat of permitting meat, alcohol, tobacco, parties and dancing on Gurdwara premises. We alluded to this letter in our Press Release of 5 May 2011, though as the Sangat will see, Bhai Jaswinder Pal Singh Ji (who is also the signatory of the letter to Ramgarhia Sikh Temple, Birmingham) clarifies beyond doubt that this letter does not undermine the 2006 Sandesh and that it still applies in full force, in the video below:

Rather than seeking to find clever ways to justify having meat, alcohol, tobacco, parties and dancing on Gurdwara premises, we would once again humbly request the relevant offending Gurdwara committees to come within the Gurmat-fold. This also applies to the GNSS Dudley Gurdwara committee, where the UK Sangat is reminded of, and requested to attend on Saturday 28 May 2011 from 2pm, a peaceful protest against a meat and alcohol party being held at GNSS Dudley Gurdwara.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!