Damdami Taksal chief calls on Mann

Fatehgarh Sahib, July 6 (UNI) In a significant political development, Damdami Taksal (Jatha Bhindra Mehta) chief Baba Ram Singh, recognised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Sikh clergy, today met Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann at the latter's residence at Quila Harnam Singh residence, near here.

The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti had given an edict to the Sikh community at large on July 2 to boycott Mr Mann, following a clash between the activists of the Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar).

Talking to select mediapersons here today in the presence of Mr Mann, Baba Ram Singh urged the Akal Takht Jathedar to withdraw the edict against Mr Mann.

He said the decision was taken by the Sikh clergy in haste and it was arbitrary in favour of one faction.

''The appeal made by the Sikh clergy to boycott Mr Mann and his five colleagues has been strongly opposed by the Sikh community,'' Baba Ram Singh said.

He said that the unfortunate incident of clash between the Akali factions at the Akal Takht could have been avoided had the Jathedar acted in impartial manner.

This incident on the historical day has not only hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs but also denigrated the Akal Takht, he said.

''The Sikh clergy should have acted in a positive manner and tried to unite all the factions,'' he added.

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