Akal Takht jathedar calls for Damdami Taksal unity to address religious conversions in Punjab
Akal Takht
officiating jathedar
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj
, struggling to receive unanimous support across all sections of the panth due to the circumstances of his appointment, has appealed for unity among the three factions of the
Damdami Taksal
to help address religious conversions in Punjab.
During his visit to the Gurdaspur region, Jathedar Gargaj expressed concern over the rising incidents of religious conversions, claiming he made stops at villages every 10km and witnessed large gatherings that highlighted the seriousness of the issue.
Emphasising the need for unity, he said that the Panth should come together on the matter. He appealed to the Damdami Taksal factions led by Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma (Chowk Mehta), Bhai Ram Singh (Sangrawan), and Bhai Amrik Singh (Ajnala), along with other Sikh sampardayas, to unite in addressing and countering the growing challenge of conversions.
Bhai Amrik Singh, chief, Damdami Taksal (Ajnala), said that unity is easier said than achieved, asserting that Jathedar Gargaj might not be fully aware of the reasons behind the split of the Taksal into three factions. He suggested that a deeper understanding of the circumstances leading to the division should precede such a call for unity.
Regarding the issue of conversions, Bhai Amrik Singh said the Ajnala faction of the Damdami Taksal continues to actively organise "Amrit Sanchar" programmes as part of its efforts to strengthen Sikh values and identity.
On the other hand, Avtar Singh Bhuttar, a close associate of Dhumma, said the Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta) has been actively engaged in preaching Sikhism and countering religious conversions. In addition to organising regular "Amrit Sanchar" ceremonies, he said the Taksal also launches month-long campaigns dedicated to the propagation of Sikh teachings. He further said that a special "Amrit Sanchar" initiative will be held from May 1 to 31, specifically aimed at addressing conversions. Rajandeep Singh, spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Sangrawan), could not be contacted for his comments.
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