Akal Takht appeals for peace during 'bandh'

Amritsar, May 21: The Akal Takht, the highest spiritual and temporal seat of the Sikhs today called for maintaining peace and communal harmony during the day long Punjab 'bandh' tomorrow.

The 'bandh' has been called by the Akal Takht to protest against the alleged anti-Sikh activities of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmet Ram Raheem Singh, who was shown in an advertisment attired like the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh. The advertisment had led to protests followed by clashes between the Dera supporters and members of various Sikh organisations at different places in Punjab and in other states.

In an appeal issued on the letter head of the Akal Takht, Jathedar Joginder Singh Vidanti said that to prevent the occurance of any untoward incident, peace must be maintained at all costs.

"To impose the bandh, a courteous approach should be adopted rather than the use of force", the Jathedar said in his appeal.

During the 'bandh' there should be no display of weapons or arms and provocative activities should be avoided, the appeal said.

Emergence and essential services should not be interrupted during the 'bandh'.

The Jathedar also made it clear that students taking their annual examinations and teachers on exam duty should not be hindered from discharging their duties or their activities. Medical services should also not be disrupted during the 'bandh', the Jathedar said in his appeal.

"Attempts should not be made to hinder marriage functions", the appeal added.

UNI

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