Akal Takht Jathedar calls for inquiry into clashes between Sikh groups

Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of the Akal Takht, on Friday called for an inquiry into the clashes between a task force of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) and Sikh radical groups.

"Like every year, this year too in Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Siromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and all the sikh groups and organisations had organized an 'Akhand Path'. After that the current 'Jathedar' (head) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib give a message to the Sikh community. In the same way today also the same was conducted in peace and harmony," said Singh.

He said that after some time they got to know that a fight erupted there among Sikhs and don't have any knowledge about who started it. \

"It feels as if some agency people entered inside and all the mischief has been done by them. Sr. Maan Singh came and sat with respect in the attendance of the Guru Granth Sahib at the place where he used to sit and remained there in peace and respect. All the fight erupted after Mann Singh left. Therefore, the matter would be investigated in detail and an inquiry would be conducted on the people who are found to be the culprits," he added.

He said that he will look at the cameras and video footages to find out who the culprits are, which agency they are from and who sent them in order to sow the seed of discord within the Sikh community.

He further appealed that people should be aware of such elements who are from the agencies and the whole Sikh community should gather under one flag and pay remembrance to their martyrs.

The clash took place after various groups staged protests over Simranjit Singh Mann, the head of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann Group), attempting to give a speech from the rostrum of the Akal Takht in the complex.

At least twelve people were injured in the clash. Media persons were also assaulted during the skirmish.

Shops in Amritsar downed their shutters after the fracas, which saw opposing groups brandishing kirpans, swords and spears withiin the Golden Temple complex.