Akal Takht Jathedar lifts 'ban' 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 '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 'misdemeanours'.

The 'tankah' would comprise offering 'Akhand Path' at the Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara and 'ardas' (prayer) at the shrine.

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.

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