Explain why, says Punjab Congress chief as Akal Takht Jathedar calls on Sikhs to keep licensed arms

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has urged Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to explain why he believes Sikhs should arm themselves.

Responding to Giani Harpreet Singh’s statement that Sikh youth should keep licensed weapons, Warring said it was a matter of serious concern that the Takht Jatheda, who presides over the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community, gave this call on the Gurta Gaddi Diwas of Guru Hargobind.

“Since Jathedar Sahib has called on the youth of one community, everyone would like to know, whether he feels any particular threat to the community that its youth need licensed modern weapons,” Warring said.

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The Punjab Congress chief noted that since Singh holds an important and sensitive position in the Sikh community, whatever he says is always taken seriously by the people. Therefore, he must explain the reasons behind the call to possess licensed arms.

Warring pointed out that in Punjab, most people get licensed weapons in normal course. Moreover, he added, there is no bar on anyone getting the arms license.

“Since the call comes from the temporal head of the Sikh community it is a cause of grave concern for all of us,” the Congress leader observed.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh’s statement that every Sikh should try to keep a licensed weapon “in view of the uncertain times” has triggered a political row, with the Congress, BJP and the ruling AAP taking strong exception to his remarks.

In a clear rebuke to Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said instead of glorifying weapons, the jathedar should spread the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood in society.

However, the Takht leader was backed by the Shiromani Akali Dal for his stance.