Bathinda: Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, former Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib who was recently release from his services by SGPC executive, has called upon Sikh masses to mark 26 January (India’s republic day) as “the black day”.
Indian state has been denying separate identity of the Sikh nation and Article 25 of the Indian constitution clubs Sikhs with Hindu religion. Hindutva forces are trying to finish off Nanakshahi calendar, a symbol of seperate Sikh identity. Dozens of Sikhs are languishing in jails of Indian subcontinent for years. So, in this situation how Sikhs can join “celebrations” of 26 January, said Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh.
“Sikhs should observe ‘black day’ on 26 January to protest against non-recognition of Sikh identity and other injustices”, he added.
Giani Nandgarh said that Sikh men should tie black turbans and Sikh women should wear black duppata on 26 January. Sikhs should place black flags on their houses, shops, factories, vehicles and businesses to register their protest.
It is notable that Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Mann) has already joined Nandgarh on this issue. SAD (Mann) president Simranjit Singh Mann has also asked his partymen to observe black day on India’s republic day on January 26.