Chandigarh: Former Punjab deputy chief minister and Gurdaspur MP, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, expressed concern over any kind of “unnecessary interference” in the religious and administrative affairs of the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Board. He said respecting the autonomy (self-governance), religious sanctity and traditions of Sikh institutions is the responsibility of every govt and constitutional authority.Randhawa said the Congress party has always supported the independence of all religions institutions. He urged the Maharashtra govt not to interfere in the autonomous functioning of the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Board and to ensure that its dignity remains intact.He said that Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is a centre of faith for millions of Sikh devotees. Any unnecessary interference in its religious and administrative affairs not only hurts the sentiments of the Sikh community but also raises questions regarding established religious traditions and institutional autonomy.He appealed to all concerned parties to deal with this sensitive issue with restraint, dialogue and in accordance with religious principles. Keeping religious institutions free from political interference is also a demand of democratic and constitutional values, and all stakeholders should respect this principle, he said. MSID:: 132018532 413 |
