Sri Akal Takht Sahib Commands Highest Respect; Govt Will Deliberate On Matters Discussed: Kultar Singh Sandhwan

Chandigarh: In a spirit of humility and devotion, Punjab’s Sikh MLAs and Ministers, on Monday, appeared barefoot before Sri Akal Takht Sahib after paying obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated their profound reverence for the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs and said the Punjab Government would give due consideration to the suggestions received while fully upholding the dignity and sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Addressing the media after paying obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib and appearing before Sri Akal Takht Sahib along with Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that he had been blessed with the opportunity to seek the blessings of Guru Ram Das Ji and to participate in a meaningful discussion with the respected Jathedar Sahib. “I was fortunate to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib and, prior to that, to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib following an invitation from the Jathedar Sahib. Along with Punjab Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, we had a long, meaningful and constructive discussion with the respected Jathedar Sahib. I pray that Guru Sahib continues to shower His blessings upon all of us,” he said.

Emphasising the immense respect commanded by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is a sacred institution that holds immense reverence in the hearts of the people of Punjab as well as the Punjab Government. We have the highest respect for the Jathedar Sahib, this institution, the Sikh Panth and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”

He said that, keeping in view the dignity and sanctity of the institution, it would not be appropriate to disclose the details of the discussions held. “The matters discussed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib will be conveyed to the government for due consideration. However, respecting the maryada and dignity of this sacred institution, it would not be appropriate to go into the details of the discussions,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Jathedar Sahib of Sri Akal Takht Sahib has granted the Punjab Government one month’s time to examine the proposed amendments and suggestions.

He said that the proposed amendments and recommendations would be formally communicated to all through the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. “Once the proposed amendments are received from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the government will examine them in detail and, after due deliberation, take an appropriate decision,” he said.