Ratia, June 26: An important meeting of the Akal Panthak Morcha was held at Gurdwara Sri Ajitsar Sahib, Ratia, under the chairmanship of Prakash Singh Sahuwala. A large number of representatives from the Sikh community participated in the meeting, including Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee members Jathedar Iqbal Singh Khokhar, Jathedar Kaka Singh Ladhuwas, Gurmel Singh Sahinal, Karamjit Singh Salamkhera, Gurmez Singh Sirsa, Amritpal Singh Audan, and Sukhdev Singh Naniyola (Ambala).
Addressing the gathering, speakers stated that the alleged excesses against the Sikh community across the country are a matter of serious concern and will not be tolerated at any cost. They asserted that the Sikh community would not accept any government interference or amendments to the 1956 Act concerning Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib. They recalled that in the past, too, Sikh congregations had democratically opposed such attempts, forcing the government to withdraw its decisions.
Leaders of the Akal Panthak Morcha stated that no state government has the right to interfere in the management of Gurdwaras. They appealed to the Sikh community to stand united and democratically oppose any future attempts to impose government orders or interference upon Gurdwaras. The meeting also strongly opposed the decision taken by the Maharashtra government regarding the 1956 Act.
Deep concern was also expressed during the meeting regarding the alleged mistreatment of Sikh pilgrims visiting Sri Hemkunt Sahib. The leaders demanded that if cases have been registered against any innocent Sikh pilgrim, the local administration should immediately withdraw them and ensure the safety and dignity of the pilgrims. The meeting also strongly condemned the use of allegedly objectionable language by certain Shiv Sena leaders in Ludhiana regarding Sikh Gurus, Sikh institutions, and the Sikh community. Speakers stated that such statements undermine social harmony and could create an atmosphere of confrontation. They demanded that the government and administration take immediate legal action against such mischievous elements. They warned that the administration and the government would be held responsible if timely action was not taken.
Finally, leaders of the Akal Panthak Morcha called upon the entire Sikh community to remain united in order to safeguard the interests of the *Panth* (community) and uphold the sanctity and autonomy of the *Gurudwaras*.