Jhinda, Nalvi defy Akal Takht, seek review

CHANDIGARH/ KURUKSHETRA: The ad hoc committee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) on Thursday asked the Akal Takht to review its decision to excommunicate its president Jagdish Singh Jhinda, along with Didar Singh Nalwi and state finance minister H S Chatha. They have been excommunicated for forming a separate gurdwara body in Haryana.
Taking on the clerics, Jhinda and Nalwi ruled out appearing before the Akal Takht in immediate future. "This is an issue between Sangat (people) of Haryana and Shri Akal Takht Sahib. We shall do as directed by Sikhs in Haryana," Jhinda, the ad hoc committee president said.
President of ad hoc committee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) Jagdish Jhinda said, "He (Badal) has been unkind to Sikhs of Haryana. He should now act as an elder brother and co-operate with us."
Residents of Kurukshetra woke up to tense morning on Thursday with the ad hoc HSGMC and SGPC holding parallel meetings in the city. Heavy police deployment was made in and around gurdwaras.
Despite Akal Takht cautioning Sikhs from having any kind of social political or religious link with three excommunicated Sikhs, the meeting chaired by Jhinda and Nalwi saw a heavy attendance of community members. SGPC member from of Sirsa Gurnam Singh Tilokewala and former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Paramjit Singh Sarna were also present.
"The bill passed for creation of HSGMC is fake and frivolous. Everyone including Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and governor Jagannath Pahadia will face action," said SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar after his meeting. "Badal saab will join the agitation and will take this to the streets in case the Haryana government does not withdraw the bill." Makkar was joined by DSGMC chief Manjit Singh GK.