To strongly counter the vilification campaign of the SGPC against Narian Singh Chaura, who took a pot shot at Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal a week ago and to address various religious and political issues currently confronting the Sikh people, pro-Sikh freedom body Dal Khalsa is holding a Panthic Meet on 18 December 2024, at the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, Sri Akal Takht Sahib. WSN reports.

In an attempt to bring together Sikh organizations and leadership to deliberate on critical issues facing the community and chart a course of action to protect Sikh rights, identity, and heritage, Dal Khalsa has made an open call for a gathering at Akal Takht for deliberations and decisive action.

The call for this gathering comes in the wake of escalating concerns within the Sikh community, both in Punjab and the diaspora. These concerns include the erosion of Sikh identity, threats to religious freedoms, and external interference in Sikh affairs.

Speaking to WSN, Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh emphasized the need for a unified response to these challenges and view that this gathering would serve as a platform for building consensus among Sikh organizations.

“Through this gathering, we aim to inspire a new wave of unity, activism, and dialogue, ensuring the preservation and advancement of Sikh ideals.

Kanwar Pal Singh, Dal Khalsa leader

“Though the trigger for the meet was provided by the absolutely baseless allegations and tall talk of the SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and the Akali Dal leadership against Sikh activist Narain Singh Chaura, the meet will now consider a variety of issues and place it before the Sikh Sangat,” said Dal Khalsa ideologue Kanwar Pal Singh.

According to party representatives, the agenda for the gathering will focus on strengthening Sikh institutions, addressing issues of religious and political repression, and countering cultural assimilation. Additionally, the organization plans to highlight international issues affecting Sikhs, such as transnational repression and alleged human rights violations.

In their announcement, Dal Khalsa stated that this gathering is not merely symbolic but aims to foster actionable resolutions.

Though the trigger for the meet was provided by the absolutely baseless allegations and tall talk of the SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and the Akali Dal leadership against Sikh activist Narain Singh Chaura, the meet will now consider a variety of issues and place it before the Sikh Sangat.

Prominent Sikh organizations and intellectuals are expected to participate in the event, underscoring the importance of forging solidarity across diverse perspectives within the Panth. Dal Khalsa’s leadership has also invited community members from across the globe, emphasizing the need for global Sikh voices in shaping the future of the Panth.

Historically, meetings at Sri Akal Takht Sahib have carried significant weight, influencing political and religious discourse within the Sikh community. With growing calls for unity amidst internal divisions and external pressures, the December 18 gathering is expected to attract widespread attention.

Dal Khalsa has reiterated that the Sikh Panth must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing contemporary challenges.

“Through this gathering, we aim to inspire a new wave of unity, activism, and dialogue, ensuring the preservation and advancement of Sikh ideals, ” said Kanwar Pal Singh.