Speaking on the occasion of Baisakhi, from the Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said that all sections of society in Punjab are living in peace and harmony.

While acknowledging the peaceful coexistence among different groups in Punjab, the Akal Takht Jathedar also cautioned about the efforts of 'anti-Punjab forces' to portray it as a disturbed state.

He stressed that Sikhism upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, and urged everyone to uphold these values.

Additionally, the Jathedar stated that carrying a sword is an integral part of the Sikh tradition and lamented that there were efforts to prohibit it, and urged Sikhs to continue following this religious practice.

Baisakhi, arguably Punjab's biggest festival, marks the foundation day of the 'Khalsa Panth' (Sikh order) by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji. It also marks the onset of harvest season.

Earlier, on 7 April, Giani Harpreet Singh had called a special meeting of journalists today in Takht Damdama Sahib.

In this meeting, the head of the SGPC was reported to say, "I made an appeal to Sikhs to come for Baisakhi and I request media to not twist my words and run a news that I gave a call for ‘Sarbat Khalsa’”.

'Sarbat Khalsa' is a meeting of all the factions of Sikhism.

The context for Giani Harpreet Singh's comment was an appeal made by fugitive Khalistan-sympathiser Amritpal Singh, wherein he called for convening the Sarbat Khalsa.