Martyrs of June 1984 Ghallughara (genocide) should be remembered with unity says Gargajj
Amritsar: The officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, met with Balwant Singh Rajoana currently confined in the death cell at the Central Jail, Patiala. During the meeting, Jathedar Gargajj held Panthic and Gurmat discussion with Rajoana and himself offered Ardas (Sikh prayer) for his Chardi Kala (high spirits), and later served him Deg from Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib.
In a statement, following the meeting, Jathedar Gargajj stated that Balwant Singh Rajoana is very important personality of the Sikh community, and that the government’s discriminatory stance regarding his release and commutation of death sentence must be confronted with united resistance from the Panth. He emphasized that Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but are still not being released is a clear indication of the government’s apathetic attitude towards Sikhs.
In response to a question, Gargajj said that on June 6, the Shaheedi Dihara (martyrdom day) commemorating the June 1984 Ghallughara (holocaust), should not only be observed with respect and homage to the martyrs, but also as a day of the unity. He stressed that all Sikhs must remain committed to upholding the dignity and sanctity of Akal Takht Sahib.
On this occasion, Pranam Singh (Head Granthi of Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib), SGPC executive committee member Surjeet Singh Garhi, member Ravinder Singh Khalsa and Jasmer Singh Lachhru were also present.
Jathedar Gargajj noted that June 6 marks the 41st anniversary of the 1984 holocaust, and it is not only a time to pay tribute to the martyrs with reverence but also a responsibility for every Sikh to guard the sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He shared that during the meeting, Rajoana conveyed that Sikh commemorations must be observed according to Panthic traditions and Maryada (code of conduct), and the respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib must be preserved at all costs.
Rajoana assured Jathedar Gargajj of his full support and appealed that everyone should support the Jathedar with respect and avoid any kind of confrontation. He emphasized that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has long held the authority to appoint Jathedars and that all Jathedars appointed by the SGPC should be accorded full respect. Rajoana offered Ardas for the Chardi Kala (high spirit) of the Khalsa Panth and stressed that Sikh institutions should never be disrespected or undermined by any group.
Jathedar Gargajj said that today, more than ever, the community must both understand the pain it has endured and express unity. He added that the sacrifices of community’s martyrs—those who gave everything for the Chardi Kala of the Khalsa Panth—must never be forgotten or disregarded. He appealed for the Ghallughara Day to be commemorated peacefully, in accordance with the Guru’s will and without disturbance.
He further pointed out the double standards of governments concerning the release of Bhai Rajoana and other Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). He urged the government not to backtrack on its 2019 decision made on the occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary regarding Rajoana.
