Rebel Sad Leaders Seek Forgiveness Over 2015 Sacrilege Incidents

Former ministers and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) rebels Bibi Jagir Kaur and Parminder Singh Dhindsa have submitted written clarifications to the Akal Takht for their role in past governance. This follows the Akal Takht's recent declaration of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal as 'tankhaiya' for religious misconduct during his tenure.

Former ministers and SAD rebels Bibi Jagir Kaur and Parminder Singh Dhindsa appeared before the Akal Takht on Monday to submit written clarifications in compliance with directives from the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs.

Kaur and Dhindsa were part of a group of Shiromani Akali Dal leaders who revolted against party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. Their clarifications came after the Akal Takht recently declared Badal 'tankhaiya'—guilty of religious misconduct for mistakes by his party and the government from 2007-2017.

The directive ordered Badal to appear before the Akal Takht within 15 days to seek an apology for decisions that harmed the 'Panth' and Sikh interests. Sikh ministers during 2007-2017 were also directed to provide written explanations. Dhindsa and Kaur, after resigning from their rebel group, complied, stressing their commitment to the Akal Takht.

(With inputs from agencies.)