Sikh federation seeks ban on SGPC calendar

A Sikh federation on Saturday, sought a ban on SGPC's New Year calendar, carrying a photograph of Akal Takht demolished during anti-militancy operations in 1984, saying it would hurt the "religious sentiments" of a particular community.

In a message to the Punjab chief electoral officer, the Sehajdhari Sikh Federation (SSF) sought a ban on the calender of Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) carrying a photograph of Akal Takht Sahib, damaged during Operation Blue Star. The calender was released on Thursday.

"The SGPC be requested to stop the supply/display of such calendars which directly effect the religious sentiments of a particular community," the SSF said in the message.

"These type of photographs will hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community and is an utter violation of the Election Code of conduct," SSF president Paramjit Singh Ranu said.

Such type of activities of the SGPC, controlled remotely by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), are being done only with a motive to turn voters against the Congress Party by baring the healed wounds of the community, it said.