Latest news with #Khalsa
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No copyright': CM to SGPC as row over martyrdom events heats up; Dhami asks him to build hospitals and schools instead
Amritsar/Chandigarh: The war of words between Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and AAP govt in Punjab, over events planned for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, intensified on Tuesday. After SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami again asked the Punjab govt not to take a confrontational path by organising religious events to mark the occasion, chief minister Bhagwant Mann asked how the govt was interfering in religious affairs. "What about the Khalsa tercentenary events during the Badal govt? When (SGPC president) Harjinder Singh Dhami campaigns for the Akali Dal during elections in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, doesn't that mean interference in political affairs?" said Mann. He said NGOs and religious organisations would also hold events to commemorate the event. "The SGPC does not have a copyright over such events... The state govt will do what is required. Tell them little knowledge is too dangerous," said the CM. Earlier, Dhami asked the state govt to commemorate the centenary by establishing a major university, medical college, or hospital dedicated to Guru Sahib, which would serve the public and contribute to social welfare. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mix 4 Kitchen Ingredients, Wake Up Thinner Every Morning purefitnow Learn More Undo He also advised the govt to focus on constructing appropriate memorials in honour of the ninth Sikh guru. Talking to media, Dhami said SGPC had outlined programmes to commemorate the occasion nearly a year ago, and these began at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar in April. As part of this plan, events are now being held across the country. He said if the govt announced separate programmes on dates of pre-planned events by the SGPC at Anandpur Sahib, it would create confusion, and this was against the honoured traditions of the Khalsa Panth. It appears that the govt is deliberately choosing to overlook Sikh institutions. The centenary events related to Sikh history are traditionally organised by the Khalsa Panth itself, with active participation from all Sikh sects and organisations, he said. Dhami added that being a premier Sikh body, the SGPC had already made it clear that invitations will be extended to the heads of all govts to ensure inclusive participation. "In this context, govt's decision to announce separate programmes raises serious questions," he said. Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, too, backed Dhami and said govts should provide logistical and infrastructural support. "Centenaries have always been observed under the guidance of Sikh organisations with governmental support," he said. Gargaj too asked the govt to concentrate on administrative responsibilities. "Is the CM a complete Sikh? Does he keep his hair unshorn? When it comes to following the teachings of the Gurus, the CM must first be a Sabat Surat Sikh (one who maintains the complete physical form as prescribed by the Gurus). If he truly believes in the Guru, he must follow the Guru's path," he said. "How can the govt take it upon itself to lead a religious procession like the Nagar Kirtan?" he asked.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
Anandpur Sahib to get heritage street ahead of Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom anniv
Ropar: In a major initiative to highlight Punjab's spiritual and cultural legacy, the historic city of Anandpur Sahib — birthplace of the Khalsa — is set to undergo a significant transformation with the development of a dedicated heritage street. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Proposed by Punjab tourism department, the plan is aimed at coinciding with the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The heritage street will be developed along the primary road leading to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five takhts (temporal seats) of Sikhism. The proposed design will draw inspiration from the famed Heritage Street in Amritsar that connects the Golden Temple to the city, blending aesthetics with historical reverence. Confirming the development, DC Varjeet Singh Walia lauded the cooperation of local traders. He said, "Most shopkeepers along the Keshgarh Sahib road have given their consent to proceed. Their support is essential to preserving the city's historical character while enhancing its spiritual and visual appeal." The DC emphasised that the street's design will be thematically aligned with the city's Sikh heritage, including redesigned facades, improved streetscape, and a unified architectural aesthetic to reflect Anandpur Sahib's unique identity. He said, "The goal is not just beautification, but a respectful presentation of our history. Anandpur Sahib is not just a geographical location, but a living testament to Sikh valour and sacrifice — from the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It is the state's duty to present this heritage with dignity and pride." With tendering in progress and groundwork expected to commence shortly, the heritage street is poised to redefine the visitor experience in Anandpur Sahib — honouring its sacred legacy while opening new avenues for cultural tourism.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Punjab's sacrilege Bill: activist on tower protest to climb down only after law enacted, says morcha
Hours after the Punjab government tabled a Bill, providing for enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment and Rs 10 lakh fine for those guilty of sacrilege, the Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Morcha said that its member Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, on protest atop a 400-feet high telecom tower for last over 275 days, would climb down only after the proposed legislation is cleared by the House and gets President's assent. 'Khalsa ji will not come down. We will wait for the Governor to give his assent to the Bill,' said convener of the morcha, Bhai Gurpreet Singh. A source in the government, however, said that despite being a state-specific Bill, it will need Presidential assent before being notified as law. Gurpreet Singh said, 'Though the Bill provides for life imprisonment, it has been diluted. We had given them the draft. It also provided for trial of parents if a juvenile commits the crime of sacrilege. Even the previous government's Bill was about life imprisonment.' The Morcha had handed over a draft to the government. The government took a few days to get legal opinion and then tabled the Bill. 'The government thinks that it will be able to bring Khalsa ji down. He is not coming down,' added Gurpreet Singh. The government has only tabled the Bill. It will come up for debate on Tuesday. After the debate, it would be handed over to the select committee. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier said that the select committee will take a few weeks to consult various stakeholders before giving a report to the Vidhan Sabha. After that a final draft will be prepared and tabled in Vidhan Sabha once again. 'In that case, the protest will continue,' said Gurpreet Singh. He added, 'Khalsa ji is not alone. Today, at least 15 Sikhs have started fast unto death at the morcha in Samana. They are doing satyagraha for the enactment of the law'. Khalsa had climbed up the tower in October last year. His condition has been deteriorating. The CM had met the representatives of the morcha two weeks ago and promised to bring a law. After that he had announced to summon special session of Vidhan Sabha. How Mann and Capt govt Bills compare The Bill tabled in Vidhan Sabha on Monday and the one tabled by former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's government provide for life imprisonment for sacrilege. However, a government functionary said that Amarinder's Bill was about insertions of Sections in IPC and CrPC while incumbent government has opted for a State Bill. Amarinder government had passed The Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2018 and The Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2018, which stipulated punishment upto life imprisonment for injury, damage or sacrilege to Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagwat Gita, Holy Quran and Holy Bible with the intention to hurt the religious feelings of the people. The Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2018, sought to amend Indian Penal Code (IPC) by inserting Section 295AA. Under the Section 295 A, a convict was subjected to punishment for a maximum of three years imprisonment with or without fine. Amarinder's Bill enhanced it. It also enhanced the punishment under section 295 IPC (Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) from two to ten years of imprisonment. These Bills were returned by the Centre recently asking the government that these should be in line with BNS and BNSS. AAP government's Bill says that any person who commits an offence under this Act shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years and which may extend to life imprisonment, and shall also be liable to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh which may extend upto Rs 10 lakh. It also says any person who attempts to commit an offence under this Act shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years and which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine which may extend upto Rs 3 lakhs. The offence(s) punishable under this Act shall be cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, triable by a sessions court. The investigation of the offence (s) punishable under this Act shall be conducted by the police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Protester unconscious on 274th day of tower protest for anti sacrilege law in Punjab
PATIALA: Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, a 42-year-old activist who has been atop a 400-ft telecom tower in Samana since October 12, 2024, was found unconscious on Friday morning. This incident marks the ninth time he has fainted during his 274-day-long protest advocating for a stringent anti-sacrilege law in Punjab. Sarv Dharm Beadbi Roko Kanoon Morcha coordinator Gurpreet Singh stated that Khalsa's health has steadily deteriorated over the months. "We found him lying unconscious again today. His condition is alarming, yet he refuses to descend unless the law is enacted," Gurpreet Singh said. The protest began as a one-man campaign by Khalsa, a dairy farmer from Khedi Nagaiya village on the Samana–Patran road, and has since developed into a broader interfaith movement supported by various religious leaders and civil society groups across Punjab. In response to increasing public pressure, the Punjab govt recently prepared draft legislation titled The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Act, 2025. The draft, finalised by a panel of legal experts in consultation with the Morcha team, was submitted to the state on July 3, 2025. While the bill awaits presentation in the Assembly and subsequent assent by the Governor, the govt has now indicated it may seek public suggestions on the proposed legislation, a move the Morcha views as a delay tactic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'Neither in 2016 nor in 2018 did the govt seek public feedback when it passed resolutions and sent amendments to the Centre,' Gurpreet Singh pointed out. 'The Centre too never initiated any such process. This can easily spiral into endless discussion.' He added that respected religious leaders from multiple faiths including Rajeshwaranand from Sanatam Dharam, Mr William from Catholic Church in Jalandhar, Shahi Imam from Ludhiana, others have already endorsed the current draft, and that the govt's own ADGP (Law & Order), who coordinated the drafting process, can confirm its authenticity and support. Gurpreet Singh warned of serious consequences, stating, 'If anything happens to Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, this peaceful protest could spiral into something as massive as the Bargari Morcha. The govt must act decisively.' He said protesting Khalsa's health records shows his pulse was 43 whereas BP was high. Khalsa has become a powerful symbol for those demanding legal protections against sacrilege, irrespective of religious affiliation. His persistent protest, despite recurring health setbacks, has resonated with a broad cross-section of Punjab's population, further amplifying calls for legislative action. With his condition turning critical and his supporters growing restless, all eyes are now on the state govt's next move.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
The tower protest behind Punjab's anti-sacrilege bill push?
Patiala: Perched atop a tower in Samana since Oct 12, 2024, Gurjeet Singh Khalsa has become the symbol of a grassroots campaign demanding stringent laws against sacrilege in Punjab. As the 42-year-old completed the 272nd day of his protest on Wednesday, his deteriorating health added urgency to a cause that has struck a deep chord across religious communities. The Punjab govt has prepared a draft of the proposed Bill titled 'The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Act, 2025'. While the draft awaits the governor's assent, pressure is mounting, both due to public sentiment and Khalsa's critical condition. Khalsa, a dairy farmer from Khedi Nagaiya village on the Samana–Patran road, has vowed not to descend from the tower until the govt enacts a comprehensive law to curb sacrilege—irrespective of the religion involved. From protest to policy Gurpreet Singh, coordinator of the Sarv Dharam Beadbi Roko Kanoon Morcha, said the protest gained traction after the Punjab govt formally asked the morcha team—comprising legal experts—to draft the proposed legislation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Erfurt: GEERS sucht 700 Testhörer für Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung GEERS Undo Initially titled 'The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Books and Religious Places Act, 2025', the draft was submitted in late May. Following govt feedback, it was revised and re-submitted on July 3 with key changes. "The title was modified to refer specifically to holy scriptures, and definitions related to religious places were omitted to streamline legal interpretation," Gurpreet Singh explained. Body in decline, spirit unyielding Khalsa's health significantly deteriorated over the course of the protest. Currently battling typhoid, he has been surviving solely on a liquid diet since Jan 11. "His condition is alarming. He's too weak to open his eyes or even sit up. There have been several instances of fainting. His pulse drops drastically, and he has not had a full night's sleep in weeks," Gurpreet Singh said. Khalsa's activism was sparked by a sacrilege incident at Jandiala village in Jalandhar last year. A week after he climbed the tower, local residents began joining in. The site soon became a place of gathering and reflection. In March, even Akal Takht jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj visited the site to express solidarity. Back in Khedi Nagaiya village, Khalsa's wife, 17-year-old son, and extended family await the resolution of a struggle that has taken a significant toll on their lives. MSID:: 122345294 413 |
