SAD (A) leader criticises ignoring Panthic unity, vows to continue fight for Sikh rights
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Working President Iman Singh Mann has strongly criticised the sidelining of the Panthic unity forged on May 1, 1994 at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, stating the principles laid out in the Amritsar Manifesto are being ignored while forming new Sikh coalitions such as the Panthic Ekta Committee.
Addressing a gathering at Hoshiarpur, organised under the leadership of the district president, Gurnam Singh Singriwala and Assembly Constituency incharge Harvinder Singh Hira, Iman Singh Mann recalled the moment when leading Akali figures — including Captain Amarinder Singh, Surjit Singh Barnala, Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Jagdev Singh Talwandi, Colonel Jasmer Singh Bala, Simranjit Singh Mann and Bhai Manjit Singh — had, in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, dissolved their respective parties to unite under the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and the Amritsar Manifesto.
He lamented despite taking a sacred oath, many of these leaders later turned away from their commitment, leaving Simranjit Singh Mann as the sole figure continuing to uphold the vision and principles of the Manifesto.
Referring to the past actions of Shiromani Akali Dal leaders during previous governments, he noted after their confession at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the ‘Singh Sahibans’ imposed religious punishment and disqualified them from holding Panthic political leadership.
Iman Singh Mann also condemned the killings of civilians in Pahalgam and cautioned against the Centre Government’s approach of fostering a war-like atmosphere in such sensitive times. He said the state could once again become a battleground, causing immense harm to its people.
He highlighted justice remains elusive for several past atrocities against the Sikh community, including the Chitti Singhpura massacre of 2000, the June and November 1984 killings, and the extrajudicial executions of around 25,000 Sikh youths, as documented by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
“Our party will continue to fight for justice and the legitimate rights of the Sikh community with unwavering resolve,” he declared.
Chief spokesperson and Doaba in-charge Dr Harjinder Singh Jakhu also addressed the gathering, reiterating the party’s commitment to strengthening social harmony and achieving ‘Sarbat da Bhala’, ‘Begumpura’ and ‘Halimi Raj’ — the egalitarian ideals blessed by the Guru Sahiban.
Other speakers at the event included Gurdeep Singh Khun Khun, Sandeep Singh Khalsa Tanda, Akbar Singh Bure Jattan, along with Gurnam Singh Singriwala and Harvinder Singh Hira.
Jalandhar