Rajoana Responds on 'Veer Bal Diwas'; Sikh Resistance to Holy Cities

In response to Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Eternal Throne, AT) Jathedar (leader) Kuldeep Singh Gargajj's missive to Sikh Members of Parliament to prevail upon the Indian government to rename Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children’s Day) as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas (Sovereign’s Sons Martyrdom Day), Balwant Singh Rajoana has urged the Jathedar to issue an edict asking the Sikhs not to participate in the Veer Bal Diwas. Rajoana asserted that AT should not appear dependent on political figures for asserting Sikh religious positions. A former Panjab police constable, Rajoana was sentenced to death in 2007 for his involvement in the assassination of former Panjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995 and is now awaiting clemency after serving 29 years in prison. Meanwhile, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Panjab has formally declared three regions as Holy Cities—the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib (Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib) in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Takht Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district. With the declaration, heavy restrictions have been imposed across the Holy Cities to maintain their religious sanctity like banning sale of meat. The move can also be cited as a response to the events of 1981 when Arya Samaj (a Hindu sect) provoked the Sikhs. In early May 1981, the All India Sikh Students Federation resolved not to allow the sale of cigarettes and tobacco in the walled city, Amritsar. Provoked, the local Arya Samaj called for a counter procession on 29 May 1981 which brought 10K sword-brandishing Hindus into the streets. There is a contention in history that had the pro-smoking procession not taken place, not even 500 Sikhs would have turned up for the anti-smoking procession on 31 May. Instead, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale rose to the challenge and brought in his rural followers. Even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had agreed to the demand of the holy city. However, this declaration of holy cities by AAP is also being seen as not adhering to Sikh code of conduct because jhatka (swift blow) meat is allowed in Sikhi (earlier coverage).