Punjab Puts On Hold Books Derogating Sikh Gurus After SAD Alleges Congress ‘Conspiracy’ To Destroy The Sahibaan

Punjab Chief Minister and Congressman Capt. Amarinder Singh, under pressure from the Shiromani Akali Dal, has asked his Education Minister to continue with the old history textbooks for Classes XI and XII due to the pending review of the new ones.

Some discrepancies in the new textbooks have unnerved proud Sikhs, who say that ideas such as Mughals having issues with Guru Gobind Singh Rai, not because of religious reasons, but because he hunted dogs, and that Guru Arjan Dev was not killed but fined by Mughals, and most importantly that the 10th guru, Guru Gobind Singh, deserted the battle of Chamkaur Sahib without informing anyone, are false and insulting.

SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal berated the Amarinder Singh government for distorting facts and warned that his party would stage a massive protest against such moves. Stating that Punjab will not tolerate such insults, he asked the government to apologise and demanded an FIR be registered in the matter. He also warned the Congress to undo the damage or they would face the wrath of the Khalsa Panth, reported Times Of India.

Badal told reporters on Monday that the party leaders would perform 'ardas' (prayer) at Akal Takht Sahib on 1 November before launching the "struggle", and details would be announced soon after.

However, a State government spokesperson said that a committee of expert historians had been constituted to address the concerns, on 11 May. Chaired by Prof Kirpal Singh, it comprises J S Grewal, Indu Banga, Pirthipal Singh Kapur along with Balwant Singh Dhillon and Inderjeet Singh Gogoani. He said that the CM had asked the Education Minister to ensure a comprehensive review was undertaken in respect of all complaints.

Badal expressed shock that such portions were included after the Punjab government had already removed it. He warned the government by saying this was not a mistake, but a deep-rooted conspiracy by the Congress party to destroy the Sahibaan. He also said the Khalsa Panth and Punjab won't tolerate this.