No political meets at Shaheedi Jor Mela

will be no political conferences during the Shaheedi Jor Mela at Fatehgarh Sahib this time as the Akal Takht on Thursday banned such events, saying these do not go well with the sombre occasion of martyrdom anniversary of two Sahibzadas (sons) of tenth Sikh Master Guru Gobind Singh.

The decision comes in the wake of protests by some Sikh orgnisations, including Satkar Parchar Committee, at Fatehgarh Sahib for the past two days over the annual slugfest by various parties.

Soon after the directive from the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, the Shiromani Akali Dal cancelled its scheduled event. The Congress also decided against holding any political conference “in view the sanctity of the occasion” while Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had already announced not to hold any meet in Fatehgarh Sahib this time.

The martyrdom day falls on December 28, but the political conferences were to be organised on December 26 as the Jor Mela is usually held for three-four days.

Lakhs throng Fatehgarh Sahib to observe martyrdom of younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh who were bricked alive in Sirhind.

However, there were protests

All parties are strictly directed not to indulge in political activity. Instead, efforts should be made to preach Sikh history and life events of Gurus on the pious occasion. GIANI GURBACHAN SINGH, Akal Takht jathedar

against political conferences on the occasion for the first time. A Sikh activist even observed hunger strike at Fatehgarh Sahib and some tried to damage the tent installed by the SAD.

In a communiqué, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said, “Followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji observe the martyrdom of Sahibzadas in shock and the occasion is very sacred. However, normally it is seen that the political parties use this day to propagate their political agenda and politicise the religious atmosphere.”