Akal Takht Jathedar lifts 'ban' imposed on Mann

Amritsar, July 18 (UNI) Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti today lifted the ban imposed on Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Simranjit Singh Mann for showing 'disrespect' to the Guru Granth Sahib during a religious function in the Golden Temple complex on July two.

The Jathedar had banned Mr Mann and five of his party associates from holding meetings or functions at gurdwaras after SAD (Amritsar) members clashed with SAD (Badal) and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) officials at Dewan Manji Sahib hall inside the Golden Temple complex during the 400th foundation day function of the Akal Takht, the highest religio-spiritual seat of the Sikhs.

Holding Mr Mann and his supporters 'guilty' of not keeping the sanctity of the holy Sikh scripture, the Jathedar directed Mr Mann to undergo 'tankah' (religious punishment) to atone for his 'misdemeanour'. The others who will undergo 'tankah' with the SAD (Amritsar) chief are Bhai Ram Singh, Baldev Singh Sirsa, Harcharan Singh Burj, Varinder Singh and Gurjatinder Singh.

The 'tankah' would comprise offering 'Akhand Path' at the Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara followed by 'ardas' (prayer) at the same shrine. Besides Mr Mann and his supporters were also directed to make 'kara prasad' offerings of Rs 100 each at the Akal Takht and the Harmandir Sahib, the sanctoum sanctorum.

Mr Mann, who was summoned before the Sikh clergy, accepted the 'tankah' with folded hands. '' I surrender before the Akal Takht'', he said with due humility.

The Jathedar announced the 'tankah' after holding deliberations with Takht Keshgarh Sahib Jathedar Tirlochan Singh, Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh, Takht Patna Sahib head Iqbal Singh and Takht Hazoor Sahib, Nanded, officiating Jathedar Jyotinder Singh.

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