Taking a strong exception to the statement of the SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann demanding “Khalistan” issue on agenda of the proposed ‘Sarbat Khalsa’, Punjab president of the Bhartiya Janata Party Kamal Sharma on Sunday condemned Mann in strongest terms for his “consistent anti-national tirade”.
Sharma, in a strong-worded statement, termed Mann’s utterances as a desperate attempt of a “spent force” to make himself relevant by disturbing the peace of Punjab just to get political mileage.
“BJP has no objection in holding of ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ or any other platform deemed fit by Sikh organizations to discuss and resolve their religious affairs but no one should be allowed to vitiate the peace, harmony and brotherhood of Punjabis,” he said.
Warning Mann to desist from indulging in such anti-national activities, the BJP chief said that Punjab has returned to normalcy after so many sacrifices made by the people during the black era of terrorism and BJP will not allow Mann to again push the state towards shadows of darkness.
Sharma, however, expressed his happiness that majority of Sikh leaders present in the meeting at Jalandhar a day before cold shouldered the demand put forth by Mann.
“BJP appreciates the stand taken by different Sikh organisations to reject irrelevant demand of Mann,” he said urging the State Government to deal strongly with elements such as Mann and keep a watch on his activities, so that he could not succeed in his nefarious designs.