Akal Takht’s acting Jathedar, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has issued a firm directive to all members of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD): they must be Amritdhari (baptised) Sikhs by September 1.The instruction came after 20 executive members, led by CKD president Inderbir Singh Nijjar, met with the Jathedar on Tuesday. He warned that anyone failing to comply with this requirement will have their CKD membership revoked.

The Jathedar also instructed members to refrain from practices like trimming, curling, or dyeing their beards, as these go against Sikh religious principles. Members who missed the meeting must appear at the Akal Takht secretariat on August 1 to provide an explanation.To help with the baptism process (Amrit Sanchar), the Akal Takht will send Panj Piaras (five beloved ones) to guide the members.Jathedar Gargaj made it clear that the CKD’s constitutional rule requiring all members to be Amritdhari cannot be changed under any condition.

Two days prior, the CKD had organized a religious event on the birth anniversary (Gurpurb) of Guru Harkrishan at one of its schools, following directives from the Akal Takht secretariat.Additionally, the Jathedar has asked CKD to open schools in Punjab’s border areas, with a focus on promoting Sikh values and offering educational concessions to Sikh children. This is aimed at countering ongoing efforts of religious conversion in these regions.