Chandigarh, Feb. 12 -- Sikh organization Dal Khalsa has objected to union government's directive mandating the chanting of the national song 'Vande Mataram' before the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana.'Dal Khalsa termed the government decision as a direct assault on Sikh identity and religious sentiments. The group has characterized the move as an attempt to force a specific ideology on the Sikh community under the guise of nationalism.
Kanwarpal Singh Bittu, a prominent Dal Khalsa leader, said in a statement that the decision is an effort to impose Hindutva culture on Sikhs, which the community finds unacceptable. He argued that the mandate contradicts the religious tenets and independent identity of the Sikh faith.
Bittu urged Sikhs to ...