Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 6

Newly appointed Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh will deliver his first customary public address from the “Darshani Deodi” on Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) tomorrow.There is a little chance of any trouble since Sarbat Khalsa-appointed acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Dhian Singh Mand, who used to deliver a “parallel address”, is occupied with the ongoing protest at Bargari.

Nevertheless, heavy security arrangements have been made in and around the complex. Apart from SGPC task force, the district police and the paramilitary forces have been deployed.Jarnail Singh Sakhira, one of the main organisers of 2015 Sarbat Khalsa, said he and his supporters would lodge a protest during the Jathedar’s address.

“We will oppose Giani Harpreet Singh as he too has been appointed with the blessings of the SAD, which has brought misery to the Sikh Panth. Although Jathedar Mand is busy at Bargari, he will read out his message from there,” he said.

Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said they were not against Giani Harpreet Singh delivering the “sandesh”.

SGPC secretary Diljit Singh Bedi said Giani Harpreet Singh would deliver his message around 5 pm in the presence of SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal and representatives of various Sikh organisations.

Meanwhile, the Golden Temple will be illuminated with newly installed special lighting system even as the duration of fireworks display has been reduced.

SGPC chief secretary Dr Roop Singh said high-altitude firecrackers would be burst, but the timing had been reduced to 10 minutes from 15 previously.

“Keeping in view the rising pollution, only earthen lamps will be lit. We will appeal to the devotees not to light candles at the Golden Temple complex,” he said.