Akal Takht calls open hair ad 'serious', Bhajji apologises

Amritsar, Oct 7 (UNI) Even as Team India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh tendered a public apology for ''inadvertently'' hurting Sikh sentiments by letting his hair down in an advertisment, the Akal Takht today took a strong exception to the ad and said the matter remained serious''.

''I am a true Sikh and am deeply pained for having hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community> With folded hands I apologise to all Sikhs,'' Harbhajan told UNI over telephone from Jalandhar.

''I did not do anything wrong intentionally (by appearing in the ad with open hair) and I am pained that no one has guided me,'' he said.

However, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti when contacted said the Sikh priests took a strong exception to the ad showing Bhajji with his hair flowing over his shoulders along with Yuvraj Singh and Mahinder Singh Dhoni and they will discuss the matter in a day or two at Amritsar.

When pointed out that Bhajji had tendered an apology, the Jathedar replied, ''We will discuss the matter and then decide. The matter is of a serious nature, as it can have a bearing on the young generation and cannot be ignored.'' Bhajji's apology came after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Avtar Singh took notice of the advertisement and brought it to the notice of the Akal Takht, the highest spiritual and temporal seat of the Sikhs. The SGPC has also demanded that the advertisement be withdrawn.

Eds pls pick up from SPD 12, the second take of the story.

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