Shut troll centres in 10 days or Nihangs will act, Akal Takht warns Punjab govt

The standoff between the Akal Takht and the Punjab government escalated on Sunday after Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Bhagwant Mann-led government, alleging that an organised online campaign was being run to defame Sikh religious institutions.

Addressing a Panthic congregation organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Gargaj alleged that social media operations based in Mohali and Chandigarh were targeting Sri Akal Takht Sahib and other Sikh institutions through objectionable online content.

The Jathedar claimed that individuals associated with these centres, including some from Delhi, were working to spread material aimed at undermining Sikh religious bodies. However, he did not publicly present any evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Issuing a warning to the state government, Gargaj said the issue had been raised with the authorities on several occasions but no action had been taken.

"As far as online trolling is concerned, there are two centres - one in Mohali and another in Chandigarh. I am giving the state government 10 days to shut them down. If indecent comments against the Takht continue, we will send Nihang Singhs to deal with the matter," he said, referring to Baba Major Singh, head of a Nihang group.

The remarks come amid an intensifying confrontation between the Akal Takht and the Punjab government over recent developments involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and resolutions adopted by the Sikh temporary authority.

AKAL TAKHT SUPREME IN SIKH PANTH MATTERS

During Sunday's congregation, Sikh religious and Panthic organisations also adopted a Gurmata reaffirming the supreme authority of the Akal Takht in matters concerning the Sikh Panth. The gathering further resolved to organise similar meetings across Punjab to strengthen awareness and unity on issues affecting the Sikh community.

Reacting to the allegations, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Baltej Pannu rejected the claims, asserting that the party does not operate any IT cell or social media centres of the kind alleged by the Jathedar.

The exchange has further deepened tensions between Punjab's ruling AAP government and the Akal Takht. With a 10-day deadline now in place and the Jathedar warning of direct action if the alleged online campaign is not halted, the dispute is expected to remain at the forefront of Punjab's political and religious discourse in the coming days.

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