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Dera chief can seek pardon at Takht
Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service
Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service
Koharawali (Ferozepur), June 7
In a significant development that could have far reaching religio-political consequences, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said today that Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh could be pardoned if he presented himself before Akal Takht and sought forgiveness for his blasphemous act.
Akal Takht had issued an edict to Sikhs for observing a total boycott of the dera chief and followers of his sect after he tried to dress like Guru Gobind Singh and administer ‘Jam-e-Insan’ (a sweet drink) to his followers in 2007 at one of the branches of his dera in Bathinda district.
The Jathedar, who was here today to attend the bhog of akhand path organised on the first death anniversary of Datar Kaur, the mother of a granthi of a Delhi-based gurdwara, said ex-communicated Sikhs had been given time to seek forgiveness for their anti-Sikh acts to mark the celebrations connected with the 300th anniversary of the Fateh Diwas.
Talking to TNS over the phone this evening, the Jathedar said any Sikh, who had been expelled from the Panth, could seek forgiveness. He said even the Dera Sacha Sauda chief could come and seek forgiveness. “If he came to Akal Takht and seek forgiveness, the Sikh clergy would take decision accordingly. He could be given punishment, but that will not be hard,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said the SGPC would solemnise marriages of daughters of baptised Sikh families belonging to the poor section of society. The SGPC would extend financial help to those members of the Sikh community, who intended to take coaching for clearing competitive exams. He said that he would also make an appeal to members of the Sikh community to spare 10 per cent of their income to help the poor.
source:
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100608/punjab.htm#2
