Akal Takht Jathedar’s call to equip Sikh youths with licensed weapons for security has sparked a controversy, with the Congress claiming it reflects the law and order situation in Punjab and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann questioning it. Huh.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh in his message on the occasion of Gurgadi Day of Guru Hargobind Sahib urged Sikh youth to apply for license of modern weapons for self-defense.
In his message to the youth, he said that this is the need of the hour. Urging the youth, he said that the Guru had also used weapons for self-defense.
The statement has not gone down well with all parties.
Keep calm: CM
Reiterating his government’s commitment to maintain peace, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh to keep licensed modern weapons to the Sikh society instead. He urged to spread the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood. ,
In a statement, the CM took strong objection to the statement and said that we are living in a civilized society, where the country runs by the rule of law. Mann said that weapons have no place in a cordial and cordial society.
…ਜਥੇਦਾਰ ..
— Bhagwant Mann (@Bhagwant Mann) 23 May 2022
The CM said that the Jathedar Akal Takht should focus on spreading the message of Gurbani which envisages ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ (welfare of one and all). He said that the Jathedars should focus on spreading this divine message of well being of all in every household.
The Chief Minister said that the need of the hour was to ensure that the hard earned peace of the State is maintained at all costs. He said that already hostile forces are trying to disturb the peace of the state, and weapons in every household can present a serious challenge.
Reiterating his government’s firm commitment to ensure harmony and harmony across the state, Mann said that the state government is bound to maintain law and order at all costs.
Opposition’s reaction
Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said it should be clarified why such a message was issued. Randhawa said, “What is so worrying is the law and order situation in Punjab that arms licenses are being demanded from the youth.
He said that according to Sikhism, keeping a kirpan for self-defense was mandatory as per the Guru’s teachings, but why a licensed weapon.
Hitting out at Giani, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Harjit Grewal said such a statement was issued to ensure the security of his own seat and to keep the Akalis relevant. He said there was no provocation to make such statements and his message could be used to disturb peace in the state.
However, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema defended the statement. He said that keeping weapons (kirpan) has been a part of religion and in view of the violence some people are also keeping personal security for their safety, so there is no harm in keeping licensed weapons with people. Cheema, however, said that there should be a background check on the licensees.
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