Before Sikh meet, Dera regrets chain of events

Just hours ahead of the crucial meeting of the Sikh clergy to decide the next course of action in the standoff with the Dera Sacha Sauda, the sect late tonight issued a statement expressing regret over the chain of events of the past few days.

Asked about the Dera’s statement, Akal Takth Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti said: “We will react when we see the statement. I will hold a meeting with the other high priests and decide whether to accept it or call him to the Akal Takht.” However, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar reiterated that a regret cannot replace an apology.

The Dera’s statement said: “The events of the last few days have left us sad. Advertisements that appeared on May 13 led to misunderstanding, which is regrettable. We have great respect for the Sikh Gurus and religion. Our efforts were not to hurt anyone. There was never an attempt to imitate Guru Gobind Singh. We regret the events.”