Sangat must remain alert against Guru-dishonouring and Anti-Khalsa Panth forces: Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj
Jathedar Gargaj Urges Punjab Government to Consult Akal Takht Panel on Sacrilege Law
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), August 1, 2026: Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has urged the Punjab Government to hold consultations with the high-level committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib before taking a decision on amendments to the proposed sacrilege law.
Addressing the Sikh Sangat during the Miri Piri Khalsa March, which proceeded from Gurdwara Gangsar Sahib in Jaito towards Sri Muktsar Sahib on its ninth day, Jathedar Gargaj said the government must engage with the committee if it sincerely intends to find a permanent solution to the issue.
“If the government genuinely wants a lasting solution, there should be no trickery in the sacrilege law,” he said, adding that the Sikh community was seeking a comprehensive and effective law rather than a temporary solution.
He said the amendments recommended by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib committee would help create a comprehensive and effective legislation to protect the sanctity of religious scriptures while strengthening trust and harmony in society.
Speaking on the Sikh principle of Miri Piri, Jathedar Gargaj said the concept bestowed by the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib, guided Sikhs to participate in political affairs while remaining rooted in religious principles.
“Those who advocate separating religion from politics do not understand Sikh principles. The need of the hour is for Sikhs to become politically strong as well,” he said.
The Jathedar also urged the Sangat to remain vigilant against forces he described as being opposed to the Guru and the Khalsa Panth. He said Sikh institutions had faced challenges whenever the community moved away from Gurbani, Gurmat principles and Panthic unity.
“Even today, governments are trying to interfere in the affairs of the Panth,” he said.
Referring to the historic Jaito Morcha, Jathedar Gargaj said the removal of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh from the throne was not merely a political issue but an attack on Sikh religious freedom and self-respect.
He said the Sikh community launched a peaceful but determined struggle against the injustice under the leadership of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Shiromani Akali Dal. Hundreds of Sikh men and women made sacrifices during the movement, demonstrating the community’s resolve to protect its faith and principles.
Earlier, a religious programme was held at Gurdwara Gangsar Sahib before the march began. Giani Kewal Singh, Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, addressed the Sangat and spoke about Sikh history, while Head Preacher Bhai Sarabjit Singh Dhotian highlighted the purpose of the Miri Piri Khalsa March and Sikh principles.
Following the Ardas, Giani Kewal Singh placed the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Palki Sahib, while Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj performed Chaur Sahib seva.
The march received a warm welcome from the Sangat at several villages, including Delianwali, Rori Kapura, Rameana, Mallan, Guri Sanghar, Kauni, Doda, Bhullar and Barkandi, before reaching Sri Muktsar Sahib.
At Gidderbaha, the march was welcomed by a large group of youth under the leadership of senior Akali leaders, including Tajinder Singh Middukhera, Gurvinder Singh, Bibi Gurdial Kaur Mallan, Advocate Gurmeet Singh Mann, Charanjit Singh Bhunder and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member Navtej Singh Kauni. Many of the youth wore yellow turbans during the welcome.
The march will halt overnight at Sri Muktsar Sahib and leave for its next destination on Sunday.
A bus carrying historic weapons associated with the Sikh Gurus and Sikh martyrs, along with vehicles displaying portraits of Sikh martyrs, remained a major attraction for the Sangat during the march.