Akhada Parishad Rejects Gurpatwant Pannu's Threats Against Maha Kumbh as Community Division Tactic

The Akhada Parishad criticised Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a Sikh separatist leader, for attempting to create discord between communities. This followed a video where Pannu allegedly threatened the Maha Kumbh. The video emerged after three Khalistani Zindabad Force militants were killed in an encounter with police in Pilibhit on Monday.

Pannu, who leads the banned group Sikhs For Justice, has been labelled a terrorist by India. The video reportedly threatened to disrupt key Magh Mela bathing dates: January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). The Akhada Parishad responded strongly to these threats.

Community Unity Emphasised

Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, addressed the media in Mahakumbh Nagar. He stated, "If this person named Pannu dares to enter our Maha Kumbh, he will be beaten and driven out. We have seen hundreds of such lunatics." He emphasised the unity between Sikhs and Hindus at the Magh Mela.

Puri highlighted the Sikh community's role in preserving Sanatan traditions. "It is the Sikh community that has kept our Sanatan tradition alive. They have safeguarded Sanatan Dharma," he said. He also noted the shared spiritual ties between Hindu and Sikh communities.

Shared Spiritual Heritage

The Akhada Parishad president pointed out that both religions have Naga sadhus and are united as soldiers of Sanatan Dharma. "We do not take such delusional threats seriously," he remarked, stressing the deep-rooted connections between the two communities.

Puri criticised Pannu's inflammatory language, which aims to sow division and target Sanatan Dharma. "We should not give too much importance to Pannu's statements, as his goal has always been to create unrest and attack the very fabric of our traditions," he said.

Revered Saints in Punjab

Mahant Ravindra Puri also mentioned that three prominent akhadas—Bada Udasin Akhada, Naya Udasin Akhada, and Nirmal Akhada—are based in Punjab and house revered saints. This further underscores why extremist threats are not taken seriously by the community.

The Akhada Parishad remains committed to maintaining harmony and dismisses attempts to disrupt peace. Their focus is on celebrating shared cultural and spiritual heritage while countering divisive narratives.