Punjab Latest Breaking News Thursday 31st May 2007 -



Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu (Vice President Shormani Akali Dal Amritsar) with the family of Bhai Jagtar Singh in village Seron Distt- Sangrur. Jagtar Singh had been caught in Dera Sirsa by security. Now Jagtar Singh is in hospial in Rohtak(HR) and his hairs has been cut in Police Custody.

SGPC chief to lead 11 member panel to meet Punjab, Haryana Governors

AMRITSAR: Shiromani Gurdawara Parbhandak Committee(SGPC) Wednesday formed eleven-member panel here while following the directions of Akal Takht (highest Sikh Temporal Seat) under the leadership of SGPC Chief Avtar Singh Makkar.
According to the SGPC sources, eleven members who were named to meet the governors of Punjab and Haryana on May 31 were SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, Senior vice president of SGPC Ragujit Singh Virk, junior vice president of SGPC Kewal Singh Badal , Chief of Dam Dami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, Baba Lakhbir Singh Ratre Wale, Baba Gurmail Singh Nanaksar Wale, Sant Paramjit Singh of Mahalpur, Nihang Baba Nihal Singh Harian Bela Wale, Nihang Baba Balbir Singh of Budha Dal, Baba Daya Singh Sur Singh Wale and Jaspal Singh from Delhi.
It may be mentioned here that Last evening Jatehdar Akal Takht Gyani Joginder Singh Vedanti has directed the SGPC to form eleven-member panel to submit memorandum to the Governors of Punjab and Haryana against the blasphemous act OF Dera Sacha Sauda Chef Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh who has hurt the sentiments and psyche of Sikh community by and large.
Tomorrow a protest march would be taken out from the Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and would conclude at Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop and thereafter, only eleven members delegation would proceed further for meeting with the Governors of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh.

Massive Protest March Planned for May 31st

As announced, a massive protest march is being planned from Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh to hand deliver the demands of the Sikh community to the Governors of Punjab and Haryana. They include the immediate arrest of Sirsa cult leader Ram-Rahim, and the closure of all of his deras.
The march was initially announced as a resolution from Akal Takht Sahib on May 20th. According to inside reports, Akali Dal Badal is attempting to marginalize the importance of this march, and has instructed the Jathedars to make this a low key event.
On the other hand, anti-Badal Panthic organizations plan to come out in force in massive numbers, perhaps sending a clear message to the Badal Dal that Sikh organizations are still in control of the Panthic agenda.
Some of the organizations that have planned to take part in the march include :
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi), Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Dal Khalsa, Damdami Taksal, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Sikh Students Federation, Sant Samaj, and other various Jathebandees and members of the Sikh community.

Peaceful Sikh March Against Dera

The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal and spiritual body of Sikhs, expressed dissatisfaction with the apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Raheem, accused of blasphemy, saying the gesture was "a shrewd tactic to divert attention".In conflict with the Dera chief for his alleged imitation of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, the five Sikh high priests, at a meeting here, said the social boycott of Dera followers announced by them would continue.A resolution adopted at the meeting said the apology given by the Dera chief to Guru Gobind Singh on Sunday night was "not graceful in language and spirit".The priests said the apology was "no more than a shrewd tactic of the Dera Chief to divert attention from the fact that he himself is not forthcoming with the apology but is instead trying to hide behind nameless followers".The Takht described the Dera chief as "shrewd and egoistic"."When the apology is sincere and from the core of the heart, then the Guru (Gobind Singh) is magnanimous to forgive. "If he has sincerely apologized, then the Guru would forgive him," the resolution said adding "but he has worded the apology in a cunning manner"."God always pardons the guilty", the Sikh priests said.The Akal Takht meeting presided by Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti said if the Dera Chief and his followers had expressed the apology from the core of their heart to Guru Gobind Singh, the creator of Khalsa Panth (Sikh religion) would forgive them."If they have indulged in mischief, the Guru would take care of them," it said.
The Akal Takht directed Sikhs to conduct a peaceful protest march against recent actions of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect against their religion.
On the eve of the protest march - to be held from Gurudwara Jyoti Sarup at Fatehgarh Sahib, 45 km from here, to the city - the Akal Takht issued fresh directives to Sikhs not to do anything unlawful.

"The march will be led by 11 leaders of the Sikh community who will proceed to Chandigarh. It should be kept peaceful. No one should carry or show any firearms or traditional weapons during the rally," the Akal Takht directive said.
Sikh groups and thousands of their supporters had started gathering at Fatehgarh Sahib - a religious town where two sons of 10th Sikh guru Gobind Singh had made a sacrifice during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's rule.
The groups are seeking the sect chief's arrest. They also want a complete ban on all his deras.
The delegation leading the protest march will submit memorandums to governors of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh demanding action against Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmit Ram Rahim for hurting the religious sentiments of Sikh community recently by portraying himself like Guru Gobind Singh.
The Akal Takht directive for Thursday's protest march was read out to the community at Harmandir Sahib (abode of god) - the sanctum sanctorum inside the Golden Temple complex in Sikh holy city Amritsar.
Security at Fatehgarh Sahib and the highway leading to Chandigarh was beefed up by the Punjab police and paramilitary forces. The police were put on alert in Chandigarh too.

Punjab CPM blames politicians for rising dera culture

NAWANSHEHAR: The Punjab CPM secretary Balwant Singh Wednesday traced the genesis of increasing 'dera culture' in the state to the failure of political leadership to resolve the problems faced by the common man especially one hailing from the poor sections of the society.
Singh who was addressing the media persons in connection with the 6th national-level conference of All India Khet Mazdoor Union being held here from June 3 to 5, said that due to utter poverty and usually disrespect shown to them in the traditional temples and gurudwaras dominated by affluent sections, people from poor sections could be seen thronging the deras and such other religious places to seek solutions to their day-to-days hardships. He said that there was a dire need to build a people-oriented movement in the country to put an end to such practices.
Their three-day conference would be an effort in this direction, said the CPM leader who talked of intensifying their struggle till cultivable land was made available to the tillers in the country.
The Central Committee Member of CPM Charan Singh Virdi said that the Conference would also dwell on the issues related to ensuring reasonable wages for the farm workers and the need to enact an All India Comprehensive Act to protect these wages in the country. The communist leaders stressed the need to curb non-plan expenditure and to generate more revenue by increasing taxes on items like liquor and other non-productive investments, besides recovering dues worth thousands of crores from the industrialists.

Radical Sikhs applaud the Akal Takht 'Gurmata' on dera Sacha Sauda

AMRITSAR: The various radical groups applaud the Gurmata announced by the Akal Takhat on Tuesday, which in a calculated move rejected an apology issued by the blasphemous leader Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh chief of Dera Sacha Sauda cult.
While talking from USA American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC) chief Bhai Yadwinder Singh and coordinator Dr. Pritpal Singh has appreciated the role of Sikh clergies for rejecting the Dera’s apology letter. They termed the Dera’s letter as tailored, tutored, mischievously drafted so called 'mafinama' of a Dera head having criminal activities.
AGPC said that they also appreciate the role of all panthak organizations standing united, to give befitting reply to this man (Gurmeet Ram Raheem) and also appeal to the entire Khalsa Panth to stay united to bring this man to justice.
AGPC said that they sending their advisory warning note to pseudo-Sikh scholars to refrain from interpreting the glorious panthak maryada in a wrongful way. Talking to Punjabnewslne.com over phone Dr. Amarjit Singh , chief , Khalistan Affair Center from US urged the Jathedar of Akal Takhat Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti to deliver clear directions to the community regarding the Dera Sacha Sauda. He also appeals for a time bound program should be chalked out against the Dera Sacha Sauda.
While reacting on the mediators head Swami Agnivesh, he said that he would advise a dubious Swami, instead he should try to work out to delete remarks of his master swami in 'satyarth parkash' about guru Nanak sahib.
The radicals appeal the Sikhs to unit in their fight against Dera Sirsa for its blasphemous act and should abide by the leadership of the Akal Takht at this hour of crisis.
Accusing Sirsa Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for playing with jugglery of words in his dummy apology letter, the Damdami Taksal and the Dal Khalsa termed it as ridiculous good for throwing into dustbin. Reacting on Akal Takhat Gurmata issued on Tuesday the Damdami Taksalâ spokesperson Bhai Mohkam Singh and Dal Khalsa spokesman Kanwar Pal Singh Bittu said that they are satisfied with the Gurmata and would follow the same by word. They said that there would be no question of “samjohtaâ€? (settlement) with Akal Takhat.

Two Sikhs attacked by Dera followers in Moga

MOGA,Mistaking two motorcycle-borne Sikhs as protesters, a group of Dera Sacha Sauda followers attacked them in Daulatpura village near here on Thursday, police said.
The two youths were going to a nearby village when some Dera followers, who had gathered at a house for a religious discourse, mistook them as Sikh protesters and attacked them, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Devinder Singh Garcha said.
The two identified as Sukhjinder Singh and Raja Singh, a priest of Sadda Subh Wala village nearby, have been admitted to a local hospital.
Garcha said that since the incident was a result of misunderstanding the situation was under control. Police patrolling in the area has been intensified, he added.
The stand-off between various Sikh organisations and the Dera began after the Dera chief appeared in an attire similar to one of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, leading to violence in which a Sikh youth was killed and around 50 persons were injured.

- News - Thursday 31st May 2007 -

Peaceful Sikh march against dera today

Chandigarh,

Appreciating the firm resolve to continue the social boycott of Dera Sacha Sauda as envisaged in the one-page Gurmata issued by Sikh clergy from Akal Takht yesterday, various Sikh organisations have promised a peaceful protest march from historic Fatehgarh Sahib tomorrow.
The protesters would recite Gurbani during the peaceful march from the historic Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj to Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup before an 11-member delegation would proceed to the Raj Bhavans of Punjab and Haryana. Here, they would submit copies of the memoranda, demanding expediting the investigations against the activities of the dera and its chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh.
While the Punjab government has issued strict instructions to district administrations of both Fatehgarh Sahib and Mohali to maintain peace, communal harmony and order, various Sikh organisations, too, have appealed their followers to avoid carrying lathis or swords.
“Since we have promised thee people of Punjab in our election manifesto to ensure peace and development, we will follow the Gurmata in its letter and spirit and allow the Sikh sangat to register its protest in a democratic and peaceful manner without allowing saboteurs a field day,” said Harcharan Bains, media adviser to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Against the original edict of a peaceful procession from Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh, the procession would now be from one historic gurdwara to another, after which the Sikh sangat would disburse. Sources said Punjab government had considered the other option of allowing the entire procession to come to Chandigarh. However, this was considered “unrealistic” as anti-social elements could use the occasion to disrupt the peace, create mayhem and chaos to embarrass the government as well as defeat the purpose of the peaceful protest as envisaged in the Gurmata.
Hence, a decision was taken that a symbolic protest march would be organised after which only the delegation would proceed to Chandigarh to submit copies of the memorandum to the two governors.
While the Punjab government has issued strict instructions to the district administrations of both Fatehgarh Sahib and Mohali to maintain peace, communal harmony and order, various Sikh organisations, too, have issued appeals to their followers to avoid carrying lathis or swords.
“ The Gurmata issued by Akal Takht is the best thing to happen. It is the only way out. Now when the entire nation has accepted the apology tendered by the dera, a peaceful fight can continue for the social boycott of the dera and its followers,” says former chairman of the national commission for minorities and Rajya Sabha member Tarlochan Singh. Tarlochan Singh had played the role of a peacemaker throughout the controversy and acted as a resource person for the all-religion delegation.
“It is more of a religious procession which has to be peaceful to give a strong and firm message to those who have been resorting to blasphemous activities, including imitating Sikh Gurus and sacred Sikh ceremonies,” remarked Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, general secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Lok Sabha member from Sangrur.
“Strength lies in unity and peaceful protest. It is indeed creditable that the Gurmata of the Jathedars has been appreciated by various Sikh organisations, including the Damdami Taksal, the Dal Khalsa and the Akal Federation, besides various factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal.”
Appreciating the Gurmata issued from Akal Takht, Dhindsa said that it not only was in accordance with the Sikh ethos and respected the sentiments of the followers of this modern religion but also held a stern warning to the dera which had been “sacrilegious” in some of its recent actions.
“It is all the more creditable as both the Sikh high priests and the Punjab government headed by Parkash Singh Badal have handled this highly explosive controversy with great tact and firmness. Communal harmony, peace and order were not allowed to be disturbed throughout the controversy,” said Dhindsa.
Appreciating the restraint exercised by people in Punjab, he said that they had given a strong message to the rest of the world that by remaining peaceful, they had forced the dera to relent and tender an apology.
Punjab pradesh Congress committee chief Shamsher Singh Dullo and leader of the opposition in the Vidhan Sabha Rajinder Kaur Bhattal also maintained that a “peaceful resolve is the need of the hour. No one should be allowed to disturb the hard-earned peace, communal harmony and order in the state.”
They also held that they would support all those initiatives which were for the maintenance of peace and law and order in the state.
Sources in the Punjab government also reiterated that “peace will be maintained at all costs.”
Security personnel in adequate strength will be deployed at Fatehgarh Sahib and along the route of the procession tomorrow to ensure that the event passes off peacefully. All necessary precautionary steps have been taken.

Villagers seek action against dera followers

Sangrur,

A large number of residents of Mangwal village, led by sarpanch Bachittar Singh, yesterday met the deputy commissioner and submitted a memorandum to him. They requested him to take action against dera followers who on May 28 had filed a “false” application with the police on the pretext that a few villagers had fired and burst crackers at their houses.
The sarpanch said the deputy commissioner had assured them to enquire into the matter and initiate legal proceedings in this regard.

No politician in religious team

Chandigarh,

No politician will be part of the Sikh religious delegation that will hand over memorandums regarding the Dera Sacha Sauda issue to the Punjab and Haryana Governors here tomorrow. “It is a religious issue and is being dealt with by the Sikh religious personalities”, said a senior Akali leader.

Shormani Akali Dal (Amritsar) seeks Mann’s release

Sangrur,

Members of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) today held a meeting at Gurdwara Mehal Mubarak here and submitted a memorandum to the local SDM demanding the release of president of the SAD (A) Simranjit Singh Mann, along with 20 others, and the arrest of the head of Dera Sacha Sauda for hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs. They also demanded the closure of all deras of the Sacha Sauda sect and strict legal proceedings against the killers of Kanwaljit Singh who had died on May 17 in the firing at Sunam.
The meeting was addressed, among others, by two general secretaries of the SAD (A) Dhayan Singh Mand and Ram Singh, president of the kisan wing of the party Satnam Singh Behru, SGPC member Nirmal Singh Gharachon, district president of the party Jeet Singh Alloarkh and district president of the Muslim wing of the party Wazir Khan. All speakers asked the state government to initiate harsh steps, including arrest of the dera head and closure of all deras, against the Dera Sacha Sauda in the larger interests of the state.

2,000 cops deployed

Patiala/Fatehgarh

The administration is making hectic parleys to limit the gathering in the procession to prevent any untoward incident.
Over 2,000 policemen, drawn from various districts of the state, and 10 duty magistrates have been deputed in Fatehgarh Sahib to prevent any untoward incident during the procession.
Patiala zone IG M.K. Tiwari said the police had made adequate arrangements to maintain peace. There were no directions from the government to prevent anyone from proceeding towards Fatehgarh tomorrow for participating in the proposed march. Security had been provided to all deras of the Sacha Suada sect in the area, he said. The Sikh high priests would gather at Dewan Todar Mal Hall of Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara at about 9 am tomorrow.
Officials of the SGPC here were making arrangements to receive a huge gathering. They were expecting a gathering of over 1 lakh people in the procession.
Protest march: SGPC wants to shorten route

Amritsar

Even as the SGPC has decided to cut short the route of the protest march, which was proposed to be taken from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh tomorrow, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) headed by Parmjit Singh Sarna, a section of Sant Samaj and a few Panthic factions have announced that they would stick to the original route.
The rival Akali factions, including a few Panthic organisations, have announced that “come what may they would reach Chandigarh” and won’t stop at Fatehgarh Sahib as decided by the SGPC. Sarna said they would proceed towards Chandigarh despite heavy police deployment. Khalsa spokesman Kanwarpal Singh said the Damdami Taksal and SAD (A) would also reach Chandigarh at all costs.
The protest march is being taken out on the directions of the Sikh clergy, against the blasphemous acts of dera chief. It is learnt that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the SAD’s working president had conveyed to the SGPC chief that the proposed march should conclude at Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup in Fatehgarh Sahib lest it should be “hijacked” by hardliners. The SGPC secretary asked the Sikhs not to display any weapon during the protest march against the dera. As per the changed programme, the SGPC would take delegation, led by Shiromani Committee’s chief to meet the Governors of Punjab and Haryana.
However, while talking to The Tribune, the DSGMC chief said the Damdami Taksal, Sant Samaj and various Panthic factions were determined to take out the protest march up to Chandigarh as already announced. The sources pointed out that Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti initially opposed shortening of the route.
Meanwhile, American Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee President Yadvinder Singh and its coordinator Pritpal Singh appreciated the stand taken by the Sikh clergy against the dera.
Damdami Taksal spokesman Bhai Mohkam Singh said the Akal Takht Jathedar should stick to the original programme of taking out the protest march from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh.

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Clerics take middle path‘Gurmata’ neither rejects nor accepts dera apology

Amritsar,

In an attempt to defuse the Dera Sacha Sauda imbroglio, the Sikh clerics today adopted a midway approach by adopting a “Gurmata” that neither clearly rejected nor accepted the apology tendered by the dera for hurting Sikh sentiments at Salabatpura in Bathinda district on May 13. Hardliners like Bhai Mohkam Singh, a spokesman for the Damdami Taksal, expressed their satisfaction over the draft of the “Gurmata”. The carefully worded one-page “Gurmata”, signed by Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Giani Iqbal Singh, Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Giani Tarlochan Singh, all Jathedars of Akal Takht, Patna Sahib, Damdama Sahib and Kesgarh Sahib, respectively, and Giani Partap Singh, Head Granthi, Takht Hazoor Sahib, tried to assuage the feeling of the Sikhs in general and the hardliners in particular by using harsh words against dera chief Gurmit Ram Raheem Singh. It described the dera chief as “mischievous” and pronounced that the call to boycott the dera announced from Takht Damdama Sahib on May 17 would continue. The clergy asked the Sikhs, who had become followers of the dera, to approach nearby gurdwaras for seeking unqualified apology and join the mainstream of the Sikh Panth. It also emphasised the need to intensify “Gurmat Parchar” to check the activities of the dera. The “Gurmata” read that the dera chief, who indulged in blasphemous acts by attiring like Guru Gobind Singh, had sent an apology to Akal Takht through selfish dera men which clearly showed that he wanted to deceive the Sikh Panth with his “clever moves.” Using harsh language against the dera chief, the “Gurmata” said he had sent the deceitful apology to the Akal Takht in the wake of the protests by the Sikh Panth. However, the Guru to whom the apology was addressed was empowered to pardon but such acts are unacceptable (to Guru) if not made with pure intent. The working president of the Shormani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Badal, acted like a catalyst to defuse the crisis. He held a meeting with Jathedar Vedanti at the official residence of the SGPC chief in Ajit Nagar so that draft could be prepared in such a way as would be acceptable to the Sikh Panth and the dera as well. Later, Swami Agnivesh, who brought the letter of apology from the dera, also held a separate meeting with Sukhbir Badal. Swami Agnivesh and other religious leaders also met the Sikh clergy and urged them to accept the apology tendered by the dera. Earlier, the clergy held a meeting with hardliners, including Bhai Mokham Singh, a former militant, Kanwarpal Singh, a spokesman for the Dal Khalsa, and Narain Singh, convener of the Akal Federation. The high priests also directed the SGPC to engage senior lawyers to pursue cases pending against the dera chief. They also resolved to continue their efforts to finish the cult of the dera for indulging in “anti-Sikh” activities. However, the protest march from Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh on May 31 for submitting memoranda to the Governors of Punjab and Haryana would remain unchanged as pronounced from Akal Takht on May 20.

Akal Takht stance reasonable, says Punjab Goverment

New Delhi,

Feeling relieved over Akal Takht’s “reasonable stance” on the apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda, the Punjab government said today that the directive takes the issue from the level of physical opposition of the deras to an ideological plane of a campaign against “deraism”. Reacting to the decision taken by the Sikh high priests today, Harcharan Bains, media adviser to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, said here that the directive endorses a peaceful approach to the issue which was most significant. He said as far as cases against dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh were concerned, the directive was a call for the implementation of the Constitution provisions relating to CrPC. “All in all, it is a highly reasonable stance which cannot be faulted on any ground,” Bains said. Punjab government sources said it would be wrong to interpret the directive as rejection of apology given by the dera. Differing with interpretation that said that Akal Takht had rejected the apology given by the dera, they said the high priests had not taken a position to either reject or accept the apology as it had been sought from the Guru. They said opposition to “deraism” would be carried on at an ideological level.

Arrest dera chief: SAD(A) Our Correspondent

Barnala,

Rejecting the apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda, the SAD(A) has demanded the arrest of dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Party vice-president and former MP Dhyan Singh Mand and general secretary Ram Singh while talking to reporters here today said the SAD was towing the line of the previous Congress regime of suppressing the Sikh community. Later, they held a meeting of party workers at Gurdwara Singh Sabha and handed over a memorandum to administration officials, demanding release of party chief Simranjit Singh Maan.
Sikh leaders detained, let off Amritsar,
Sikh leaders Kanwarpal Singh and Jasbir Singh Ghumman of the Dal Khalsa were stopped at a police naka near the Golden Temple when they were going to their office after meeting Sikh clergy today. According to Kanwarpal Singh, the police was looking for Narain Singh Jaura, convener, Akal Federation ,who also met the Sikh high priests with him. Narain Singh, who was arrested in connection with the jailbreak case , has been on bail. However, they were allowed to go on the intervention of Bhai Mohkam Singh, a spokesman of the Damdami Taksal who took up the case with SSP Iqbal Singh.

Sant Samaj rejected Dera Sacha Sauda chief apology

Fatehgarh Sahib,

Sant Samaj rejected Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh apology tendered by him for dressing like Guru Gobind Singh. A meeting of Sant Samaj in which some hardliners Shormani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Daljit Singh Bittu, Dal Khalsa's Satnam Singh Pounta Sahib also participated today held at Dera of Sant Hari Singh Randhawawale in Fatehgarh Sahib and it was presided over by Damdami Takhsal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa. Press conference of Sant Samaj was held around two hours behind the schedule. Sources said that Sant Samaj was awaiting top Sikh clerics decision about the future course of action against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. During the meeting of Sant Samaj, the five high priests met at the Akal Takht Secretariat within the Golden Temple Complex in Amritsar. Sources said that after getting indications from certain quarters, the press conference of Sant Samaj was held. After the press conference, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa in the presence of print and electronic media directed other leaders of Sant Samaj not to talk to media about today's meeting. Talking to media persons after the meeting, Khalsa informed that Sant Samaj rejected Dera Sacha chief apology as he did not sign on apology letter. He said that Dera chief should himself apologize. He said that views of Sant Samaj held in meeting was sent to Sikh clergy through a letter but he refused to disclose the contents of letter. Sources said that Sant Samaj asked the Sikh clergy to reject the apology letter. Khalsa said that Sant Samaj would follow the directions of the Sikh clergy. He said that they would participate in protest march from Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh on May 31 in peaceful manner. He appealed the people to participate in march in maximum number in disciplined manner. He also appealed to district Fatehgarh Sahib administration to make an elaborate arrangement on May 31. When asked if the Sikh clergy decided to withdraw decision of protest march, he said that Sant Samaj would follow their directions. Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, former Akal Takht Jathedar, who also participated in today's meeting told this correspondent that Sant Samaj is in touch with Sikh clergy and after getting clearance of them, the Sant Samaj announced to participate in protest march. When asked whether there is any pressure on Sikh clergy to deal with the case of Sacha Sauda, Khalsa said that Sikh clergy is supreme no one can pressurize it.

Akal Takhat Rejects the Apology from False Dera

“The Akal Takht has not pardoned dera … Chief … Ram Rahim … and announced to continue the social, religious and political boycott of dera and its followers and asked Shiromani Gurdawara Parbhandak Committee to enforce the decision of vacating deras from Punjab.” Meanwhile : “A delegation of 21 followers of the DSS arrived at the office of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the top management body of Sikh shrines, here to put across their apprehensions to its officials.” “As many as 2000 followers have sought protection from the raging Sikh community, who have demanded the eviction of DSS followers from camps in Punjab.” “They said that the dubious acts of DSS chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh were true.”

Supreme Court to hear False Deras False plea on June 4

The Supreme Court on Monday fixed June 4 to hear a petition filed by Dera Sacha Sauda seeking protection of their properties against an ultimatum given by the Akal Takht to vacate them and stop their activities.A Bench comprising Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice DK Jain said there was no urgency in the matter for early hearing.The Dera approached the apex court last Friday after the Akal Takht, the highest religious body of Sikhs, served an ultimatum to the Punjab government to close down all the Deras in the state by May 27.Dera head Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who was in conflict with Sikh clergy, on Sunday night tendered an apology for dressing like Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.The Dera, in a statement on Sunday evening said it has already expressed regret for the chain of events and "now in the best interest of peace and tranquility the Dera tenders an apology to Guru Gobind Singh".

Khalistan Affairs Centre - Press Release

Khalistan Affairs Center Washington DC
PRESS RELEASE

So-called apology of Sirsa Dera is a studied insult to the Sikh nation and Akal Takht Sahib

Self-appointed mediators like ‘Swami’Agnivesh should mind their own business

Washington DC, 29 May 2007 : In a Press Statement issued here today Dr. Amarjit Singh, Director of the Washington-based Khalistan Affairs Center, condemned the activities of the Arya Samaji ‘Swami’ Agnivesh, a known saffron-clothed Hindutava ‘sanyasi’. Agnivesh’s villainous activities resulted in a calculatedly deceitful Press Statement from the Sirsa Dera, which is a studied insult to the Sikh nation and its sovereign, temporal authority, Akal Takht Sahib. The above mentioned wishy-washy statement was released by the Sirsa-based ‘Sacha Sauda’ Dera staff where a criminal Baba, “His Holiness Huzoor Sant Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh Ji Maharaj”, who, by a Punjab & Haryana High Court order is under CBI investigation for rape/murder, rules the roost. Dr. Amarjit Singh further said that, “Agnivesh, the President of the World Council of Arya Samaj should spend his time in trying to expunge objectionable remarks about the great founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak Sahib, mentioned in the Arya Samaj’s mischievous scripture ‘Satyarth Prakash’ written by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, instead of meddling in Sikh affairs. In his statement Dr. Amarjit Singh appealed to the Sikh Sangat to be chary of the claims being made by pseudo-scholars of Sikhism that the Akal Takht’s May 17 Hukumnama was a Gurmata, and not a Hukumnama, as if there was a difference and the later could be amended. As every true Sikh knows, Hukumnamas and Gurmatas, are inviolable. They are sacred and are kept unbroken. An Akal Takht Hukumnama/Gurmata once issued, at the behest of the Guru-Panth, CANNOT be amended or withdrawn”. Dr. Amarjit Singh concluded his statement by again demanding the following:- · All so-called ‘Sacha Sauda’ Deras polluting the sacred soil of the Sikh Homeland of Punjab, and misleading its people, MUST be shut down. · The criminal Baba should be arrested forthwith as a case has already been registered against him. · The Punjab and Haryana High court should expedite the three criminal cases against the phony Baba - two of murder and one of sexual exploitation – which have been pigeon-holed since the year 2002.

News -

Indian Express Dera vs Sikhs Akal Takht dissatisfied with

The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal and spiritual body of Sikhs, tonight expressed dissatisfaction with the apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh, accused of blasphemy, saying the gesture was "a shrewed tactic to divert attention". In conflict with the Dera chief for his alleged imitation of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, the five Sikh high priests, at a meeting here, said the social boycott of Dera followers announced by them would continue. A resolution adopted at the meeting said the apology given by the Dera chief to Guru Gobind Singh on Sunday night was "not graceful in language and spirit". The priests said the apology was "no more than a shrewd tactic of the Dera Chief to divert attention from the fact that he himself is not forthcoming with the apology but is instead trying to hide behind nameless followers". The Takht described the Dera chief as "shrewd and egoistic". "When the apology is sincere and from the core of the heart, then the Guru (Gobind Singh) is magnanimous to forgive. "If he has sincerely apologized, then the Guru would forgive him," the resolution said adding "but he has worded the apology in a cunning manner". "God always pardons the guilty", the Sikh priests said. The Akal Takht meeting presided by Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti said if the Dera Chief and his followers had expressed the apology from the core of their heart to Guru Gobind Singh, the creator of Khalsa Panth (Sikh religion) would forgive them. "If they have indulged in mischief, the Guru would take care of them," it said.

Punjab DGP reviews security arrangements for May 31 'Protest March'

FATEHGARH SAHIB: Punjab government has started making security arrangements for 'Protest March' to be taken out on May 31 from Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh by Sikh organisations under the command of Akal Takht.
Thousands of Sikhs are expected to participate in the protest march being organised against Dera Sacha Sauda and its head Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh for his alleged act of blasphemy. Punjab had witnessed spell of violence after dera Chief projected himself parallel to Guru Gobind Singh on May 14 last.
Punjab DGP N.S. Aulakh today visited Fatehgarh Sahib to review security arrangements. The DGP met with Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Nilabh Kishore and other senior officials. Nilabh Kishore said that around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed on May 31 to ward off any untoward incident. He said that no one would be allowed to disturb peace.
Sources said that the DGP during his meeting the police officials directed them to pull up their socks and be prepared in view of the protest march. The visit of DGP was not made public and no media interaction was arranged. After the meeting, the DGP took lunch at Guest House of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College, Fatehgarh Sahib and he also interacted with the college principal Dr TP Singh.


Swami Agnivesh to meet Vedanti Tuesday morning

CHANDIGARH: Swami Agnivesh and other religious leaders will meet Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti in Amritsar on Tuesday to convey the letter of apology from Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, whom Sikh organisations have accused of committing blasphemy.

Swami Agnivesh said his delegation would call on the Jathedar before he presided over a crucial meeting of the apex "Singh Sahibs" at the Akal Takht, supreme temporal seat of Sikhs, located in the Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex.
Swami Agnivesh said that while a milestone was crossed in getting the Dera chief to apologise, the delegation would now appeal to the Akal Takht to withdraw its directions and cooperate in defusing the situation.
Swami Agnivesh said the apology was contained in an unsigned letter as the Dera management clarified, when the rapprochement efforts began, that the Baba never signed any communication. As per convention, the Dera chief's messages are issued by the secretariat, only on the official letterhead. "The very fact that the Dera has not contradicted Sunday's reports indicates that the document is official," Swami Agnivesh said.
The delegation's efforts are being supplemented by behind-the-scenes moves involving the Union, Punjab and Haryana Governments. Sources indicated that efforts were on to convince Sikh organisations against pressing for any direct action against the Dera or seeking a direction that would destablise the socio-political environment in the State.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest - Sant Samaaj

Sant Samaj, radical Sikh bodies reject 'apology' by dera

FATEHGARH SAHIB: The Sant Samaj and the Sikh organisation including Damdami Taksal on Tuesday rejected "aplology" by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for attiring like Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh master.
A meeting of Sant Samaj in which some leaders Shormani Akali Dal (Amritsar) leader Daljit Singh Bittu, Dal Khalsa's Satnam Singh Pounta Sahib also participated was held at Dera of Sant Hari Singh Randhawawale in Fatehgarh Sahib. Damdami Takhsal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa presided over the meeting.
Press conference of Sant Samaj was held around two hours behind the schedule. Sources said that Sant Samaj was awaiting top Sikh clerics decision about the future course of action against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
During the course of meeting of Sant Samaj, the five high priests were holding meeting at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Golden Temple Complex in Amritsar. Sources said that after getting indications from certain quarters, the press conference of Sant Samaj was held. After the press conference, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa in the presence of print and electronic media directed other leaders of Sant Samaj not to talk to media about today's meeting.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Khalsa informed that Sant Samaj rejected Dera Sacha Sauda chief's apology as he did not sign on apology letter. He said that Dera chief should himself apologize. He said that views of Sant Samaj held in meeting was sent to Sikh clergy through a letter but he refused to disclose the contents of letter. Sources said that Sant Samaj asked the Sikh clergy to reject the apology letter.
Khalsa said that Sant Samaj would follow the directions of the Sikh clergy. He said that they would participate in protest march from Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh on May 31 in peaceful manner. He appealed the people to participate in march in maximum number in disciplined manner. He also appealed to district Fatehgarh Sahib administration to make an elaborate arrangement on May 31.
When asked if the Sikh clergy decided to withdraw decision of protest march, he said that Sant Samaj would follow their directions. Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, former Akal Takht Jathedar, who also participated in today's meeting told this correspondent that Sant Samaj is in touch with Sikh clergy and after getting clearance of them, the Sant Samaj announced to participate in protest march.
When asked whether there is any pressure on Sikh clergy to deal with the case of Sacha Sauda, Khalsa said that Sikh clergy is supreme no one can pressurize it.

Punjab - Sikh Organisations are not Happy with the Apology from the false dera

The Jathedar, Akal Takht, has convened an emergency meeting of the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht secretariat on May 29 to discuss the letter allegedly tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda. The 10-line one-page press release allegedly issued by the dera did not carry any signature or reference number. It was issued under the letterhead of the Dera Sacha Sauda. While distributing the press note, no cameraman of electronic or print medium was allowed. Besides, no member of the committee allowed any question. The alleged apology came only a few hours before the end of the ultimatum served on Dera Sacha Sauda.
Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti after holding an informal meeting with Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh and Giani Tarlochan Singh — Jathedars of Takht Damdama Sahib and Kesgarh Sahib, has stated they will hold the emergency meeting.
However, Sikh organisations have already made it clear that they are not satisfied with the contents of the letter. Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Parmjit Sarna said though the dera had apologised for its acts, the contents of the letter had not assuaged the feelings of the Sikh masses.
The Dal Khalsa hit out at those who feel that “apology” by Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh would pacify the already hurt sentiments, emotions and pride of the Sikhs.
The bhog ceremony of Shaheed Bhai Kanwaljit Singh (who was martyred in firing near a dera at Sunam) passed peacefully at Gurdwara Nankiana Sahib.
The DSGMC took a serious view of the “pulling up” of the SGPC chief by the Chief Minister. DSGMC chief Parmjit Singh Sarna said it was an attempt to denigrate the Shiromani Committee which was formed after making supreme sacrifices . He said Badal should stop using the SGPC chief as his “puppet.”
Badal had told the SGPC chief to withdraw his statement over the dera issue. Parkash Badal is no doubt encouraging the Jathedars of the Takhats to not take a strong stand on the Pakhandi Baba. Badal and his family have continued to have very, very good relations with all of the different Pakhandi Cults operating in Punjab from Noormehal's Ashutosh to Ram Raheem, Namdharis and Nakali Nirankaris. Parkash Badal talked to Jathedar Vedanti to "help defuse the situation".

Punjab - Inside how the False Dera was Won

How the dera was won
Tribune News Service

A lot of cajoling and a little bit of arm-twisting, coupled with a “nudge” by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda were the weapons that the three-officer team, led by commissioner of Rohtak and Hisar divisions N.C. Wadhwa, had to use to persuade the Dera Sacha Sauda to apologise to Guru Gobind Singh last night, paving the way for restoration of peace in Punjab.
Informed sources say the Haryana Government decided to step in after the Sarv Dharam delegation, led by Swami Agnivesh, failed to “extract” an apology from the Dera. In fact, the dera men were so angry with the Swami that at one stage they had decided not to participate in any peace negotiations. The cause of their anger was the “pre-mature and one-sided” announcement by the Swami that the dera had agreed to apologise.
The sources say Hooda, who is in bereavement in Rohtak following his elder brother's death, asked Wadhwa to rush to Sirsa, the headquarters of the dera, and persuaded its men to create conditions for the restoration of peace in Punjab in “national interest”. Wadhwa's brief was: “Don't come to Rohtak unless you make the Dera see reason”.
Wadhwa was the right person for the delicate job. Not only is he an officer who does not lose his cool easily, he is also aware of the “weaknesses” of the Dera, with which he had frequent interaction during the days when he was the Director, Town and Country Planning. The sources say there are many buildings in the Dera, which are not strictly according to the law.
Wadhwa was assisted by D.C. and S.P. of Sirsa, V. Umashankar and Vikas Arora, respectively. The seven-member Dera delegation included Dr Aditya Arora, Dr Prithviraj Nain, Mohan Singh, Jasbir Singh and Ram Karan. Mohan Singh was the person who had often met Wadhwa to get certain buildings of the Dera regularised during the latter's stint as Director, Town and Country Planning.
The talks spread over three hours on May 26, which Wadhwa had to use his "persuasive skills" to the hilt. The Dera men had certain reservations. First they expressed their anger against Swami Agnivesh. Wadhwa told them that he and his colleagues had nothing to do with the Swami. They had been sent by the Haryana Chief Minister to try to find a solution to the problem, which was threatening the peace and security of the entire country.
The Dera men were told that it was in the larger interest of the followers of the Dera that peace should prevail in Punjab. The Dera men wanted some time before making a firm commitment. They were apprehensive that the gathering at the Bhog ceremony of Kanwaljit held in Punjab yesterday might turn violent. Kanwaljit was killed in clash outside the dera in Sunam. The Dera men also wanted to take their "Sangat", which was to meet on May 27 in confidence.
When no response came from the Dera during the day yesterday, Chief Secretary Prem Prashant conveyed to the Dera men that if they did not respond in a positive manner, he would tell his officers to withdraw from the negotiation table.
The Dera men immediately got in touch with Hooda, who advised them to act in national interest and not to complicate the situation further.
After that the Dera men conveyed to Wadhwa through a Punjab MLA, who is closely related to the Dera chief, that a statement, the wording of which had already been agreed upon by them, would be relased to the press in the evening after the "Sangat" would disperse.

Punjab - People openning eyes and leaving choota saudha cult

DPRO leaves sect

Barnala, May 28Gopal Singh Dardi, district public relation officer (DPRO), Barnala, today snapped ties with the Sacha Sauda sect. He was presented a siropa by former minister Gobind Singh Longowal at a local gurudwara. He denied any kind of government pressure on government employees, who are premi (followers) of the sect, to join the mainstream or face the heat. Meanwhile, about 150 followers of the dera also snapped ties with the dera at Sanghera.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest - Don't acept apology

‘Clergy has no power to consider apology’

Tribune News Service

In a caution to the Sikh clergy, the Sikh Nation Organisation (SNO) has observed that the Sikh clergy has no power to consider the apology addressed by Dera Sacha Sauda to the tenth Guru.
The organisation went to the extent of saying that the Sikh clergy would be violating the Sikh maryada if it overstepped and considered the apology in its May 29 meeting.
“The Sikh clergy has no option but to wait for a divine verdict in this case. Discussion on the apology tendered by the dera will not only be contemptuous but also illogical, besides being a clear violation of the Sikh tenets,” said Manjit Singh Randhawa, its president.
He said the dera communication was directly addressed to the higher authority (Guru Gobind Singh) whose delegated powers are being used by the clergy.

Punjab - Shormani Akali Dal Amritsar

Keep Sikh sentiments in mind: SAD (A) - Shormani Akali Dal Amritsar
President - Simranjeet Singh Mann Vice President - Daljit Singh Bittu

Tribune News Service

Sikh clergy should keep in mind sentiments of the community while deciding on apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in its proposed meeting tomorrow. This was stated by SAD (A) senior vice-president Daljeet Singh Bittu while talking to journalists here today.
Stating that the “method” of seeking an apology was not “good”, he suggested that the Sikh clergy should stuck to its earlier demand of closing the deras in the state. If the Sikh clergy failed to take decision according to the Sikh sentiments, the Panth would take decision on its own, he added.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

More weapons taken into possession
Tribune News Service

Even as the police authorities successfully disarmed the followers of Sacha Sauda sect putting up at the local dera branch, residents of this area heaved a sigh of relief following the apology.
Nau Nihal Singh, SSP, said about 17 weapons, including 16 double-barrel .12-bore guns and one .315-bore gun which were being carried by the followers of the sect, had been taken into possession. Information revealed that followers had also set up morchas inside the dera complex.

Punjab - False Leaders meet with Sant Samaaj

Sukhbir meets Baba Daler Singh
Tribune News Service

In the wake of ongoing Dera Sacha Sauda crisis, SAD working president Sukhbir Singh Badal today reportedly held a “closed-door” meeting with a representative of Sant Samaj Sant Baba Daler Singh Kherri Sahib Wale in a gurdwara at Kherri Sahib village, 7 kms from here. However, it could not be known what was discussed in the meeting.
According to sources, Sukhbir Badal along with a SAD leader from Dirba suddenly turned up at Kherri Sahib Gurdwara without any prior programme.

Punjab - The apology is not an apology!

Technically, it’s not an apology: Scholar

The press note issued by the Dera Sacha Sauda is unlikely to be accepted by the Sikh high priests when they meet tomorrow at Amritsar to discuss the apology offered by the Dera. It is contended by the Sikh scholars that technically it is not an apology offered on behalf of the person who has committed the offence.
Prof Prithipal Singh Kapoor, former pro-vice chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University and renowned Sikh scholar, says that the format is false for being an apology. It is a press note. Secondly the apology could have been accepted although it was in the name of Guru Gobind Singh. But it neither bears the signatures of anyone nor the person who offended the feelings of the Sikh community as a whole.
Professor Kapoor said as for the apology being in the name of Guru Gobind Singh, it can be accepted because Guru Gobind Singh himself has said that he is very limb and body of the Khalsa. The Guru says, ”I belong to the Khalsa and the Khalsa belongs to me” and in this sense, the high priests are in a position to accept the apology. But the apology does not come from the man who was guilty of the offence by the high priests.
It is also learnt that the high priests are actively considering to appeal to the press also not to publish such advertisements that can touch the feelings of the people and stir their amotions.
Lieut-Col Chanan Singh Dhillon (retd), president, Indian Exservices League Punjab and Chandigarh, has appealed to the people of the state to maintain communal peace in the state as Punjab has already passed through a great trauma. “We cannot afford to have any communal disharmony in the state and the state government should take steps for the welfare of the state as a whole,” he said.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

Dera row: State refuses to spare forces for Rajasthan

Tribune News Service

The Haryana Government is keeping a close watch on the response from the Sikh clergy to the “apology” issued by the Dera Sacha Sauda yesterday before it slackens the heightened presence of security forces in Sirsa and other sensitive areas of the state.
The dera, which annoyed the Sikh clergy by a controversial advertisement, issued the apology on the eve of the deadline set by Akal Takht for the sect to pack off from Punjab. The written statement seeking apology, however, was not signed by anyone. This is worrying the authorities in Haryana as they fear that rabid Sikh organisations may make an issue out of the absence of signature on the statement.
The state government was today also put in a bit of fix by the arrival of a request from the Rajasthan Government for sending forces to the desert state to tackle an agitation by the Gurjar community there seeking inclusion of Gurjars in the lists of STs. The Gurjar Sangharsh Samiti has resolved to begin a ‘chakka jam’ agitation in Rajasthan from tomorrow and police units from Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra have already been deployed in the state along with central paramilitary forces to prevent any breakdown of law and order there in the wake of the call.
The Haryana Government, however, decided to decline sending any of its forces to Rajasthan in view of the volatile law and order situation in Haryana. It is felt since Haryana has itself hired central paramilitary forces for maintenance of law and order, sparing forces for Rajasthan at this juncture will not be a good idea.
Haryana had asked for 20 companies of paramilitary forces from the Centre but were allotted only 15 companies. The central forces were slated to leave the state after May 25. The Union Home Ministry has now agreed to keep the central forces stationed in the state till May 31 when a meeting of the Sikh clergy on the dera issue is scheduled to take place. The Haryana Government on Friday requested the Centre to allow it to retain the forces in Haryana till June 10 to offset any design by miscreants to create law and order problem in the state after May 31.
R S Dalal, director-general of police, Haryana, who returned to Chandigarh today after having spent two days at Sirsa, talked to the home secretary K S Bhoria and briefed him about the law and order situation in the district. The home secretary also had a lengthy conversation with the deputy commissioner of Sirsa on the apology issued by the dera and its likely fallout.

Punjab police want more time over the Choota Saudha Cases

Dera Cases CBI wants more time

Tribune News Service

Taking the plea that it had to evaluate the evidence and material collected during the course of investigation into Dera Sacha Sauda-related cases, the CBI today sought more time from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to file the final report on the matter.
At this, the Division Bench, comprising Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice M.M.S. Bedi, expressed its displeasure over the tardy pace of probe and directed the agency to submit the final report, including the names of the persons to be charge-sheeted, by July 31.
Counsel for the CBI said the agency had completed field investigations and was in the final stages of the probe. As the matter was highly sensitive, the agency needed some more time to exactly pinpoint the main accused and properly evaluate the evidence.
He also took the alibi that the ongoing row between the dera and the Sikhs had hampered the agency’s investigations. Importantly, the CBI today submitted a status report, dubbed by its counsel as the ‘final field investigation report’, in a sealed cover, before the court.
Earlier, on April 16, 2007, the High Court had asked the CBI to complete the probe into the cases related to the Dera by May 25. The court had then castigated the agency for its laxity and observed that the bureau director should assign the job to competent and sincere officers. It had stressed that the matter had lingered on for five years and any more delay was not acceptable.
The probe relates to alleged sexual harassment case, journalist Ram Chander Chattarpati’s murder case and the Ranjit Singh murder case which were transferred to the CBI by the High Court.
Meanwhile, top CBI sources revealed that material collected from field investigations was being sifted through and final drafting was being done to nail the accused. They said in all likelihood, the final investigation report would be ready by the HC deadline. But they refused to comment if they would seek yet another extension if they failed to meet the deadline.

Punjab - Breaking News - Babas Plea Rejected by Supreme Court!

SC declines urgent hearing on dera’s plea


The Supreme Court today saw no urgency for preponing the hearing of the Dera Sacha Sauda petition seeking protection to its over 150 institutions in 13 states, particularly in Punjab, after the deadline of the Akal Takht for their closure had expired on May 27.
Observing that the closure order was not issued by any government authority but was by a religious body, how could a writ of mandamus be issued against it, a Bench of Justices Arijit Pasayat and D.K. Jain asked, making it clear that in this background it saw no urgency in putting up the case for an early hearing.
The court on Friday had fixed June 4 for hearing of the petition of the dera and a PIL on the issue in spite of frantic efforts by Sacha Sauda’s counsel V.K. Ohri to prepone the date citing a possible threat to its institutions in Punjab and some other states.
When Ohri today made a fresh mention of the petition for fixing an earlier date, the court pointedly asked him whether the order for closure of the deras had been issued by any government authority. If it was not so, how could the court’s jurisdiction be invoked under Article 32.
The court said since it had already fixed the date for hearing, the matter would be considered on June 4 only. The Bench on Friday had in uncertain terms said that such controversial issues should better be left for decision by the political class at the government level rather than rushing to the courts.
Dera Sacha Sauda in its petition, moved by its trustee and vice-chairman Abhijit Bhagat and two other functionaries, had said that the threat for closure of its institutions by the Akal Takht was real and it was held in violation of the fundamental right to practice a faith by its followers.

Punjab - Agnivesh getting involved yet agian!

Not graceful: Mediators Agnivesh to meet high priests today
Tribune News Service

The delegation of Sarva Dharam Sansad, which has mediated in the standoff between the Sikh community and Dera Sacha Sauda, today left for Amritsar to request Akal Takht to accept the “mafinama” issued by the dera yesterday.
In a statement, Swami Agnivesh, Father Dominic Emanuel, Jain Muni Lokprakash Lokesh and Maulana Jammel Ilyasi Ahmed said they discussed the apology given by the dera at a meeting today.
“Though we realise that the anxiety caused due to unnecessary and avoidable delay on behalf of the dera and the tone and tenor of the ‘mafinama’ does not seen to be graceful, in the larger interest of peace in the country and religious tolerance it becomes imperative to be magnanimous and to overlook certain shortcomings,” the statement said.
It said the religious leaders would request Akal Takht to accept the “mafinama” as tendered by the dera on behalf of its chief Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Punjab Choota Dera sends a choota Apology

Dera sends apology to Akal Takht
Tribune News Service

Just a day before the five Sikh high priests are to hold a meeting at Akal Takht, the Dera Sacha Sauda faxed an apology letter to Akal Takht here tonight. The dera sent a fax through deputy commissioner V. Umashankar.
The contents of the fax were the same as the press note issued to the media yesterday. The dera apologised to the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh for newspapers advertisements that showed the dera chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh dressed like Guru Gobind Singh.
Tendering an apology, the dera stated that there is no question of imitating or replicating Guru Gobind Singh, as we could not even think to do so. The advertisement had led to clashes between Sikhs and dera followers in various parts of Punjab.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

Apology splits clergy, panthic bodies

Tribune News Service

Even as the Sikh clergy and Panthic organisations are divided over the contents of the apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda addressed to Guru Gobind Singh, the meeting of the Sikh high priests to be held at the Akal Takht secretariat here tomorrow would set the tone of the next course of programme.
While the Sikh high priests are under tremendous pressure from the ruling SAD, SGPC and Sarv Dharm leaders to take a decision which would help defuse the current situation, the hardliners have categorically conveyed to the jathedars not to reject the apology. However, the Sikh high priests are reportedly unanimous on one issue that the edict issued from Takht Damdama Sahib on May 17 won’t be withdrawn on the plea that the contents of the apology were not up to the mark. Jathedar, Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, has openly rejected the apology. Without mincing words, he said he won’t succumb to pressure from anybody, including Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and SGPC chief, for giving any relaxation to the dera.
Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti said the jathedars of all five Takhts would discuss the apology at its meeting tomorrow, but there won’t be any changes in the programmes already announced from Akal Takht, which included taking out protest march from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Raj Bhavans of Punjab and Haryana.
On the other hand various radical Sikh organisations today took a tough stand against the dera chief and urged the Central and the state governments to put him behind bars for hurting sentiments of Sikhs.
Bhai Mohkam Singh, spokesman of Damdami Taksal, while addressing the media questioned the wisdom and the sincerity of the state and the Central governments for not allowing the law to take its own course after the government had filed an FIR against the dera chief. Rejecting the apology, he added that it was only issued to mislead the Sikh community.
Representatives of various Sikh organisations who rejected the apology included Dal Khalsa, Akal Federation, Damdami Taksal, Shahbaz Khalsa, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Shahidi Dal International, Baba Deep Singh Federation and Gursikh Sanstha.

1984 Remembrance march and freedom rally 2007

(Click poster to enlarge)

Please attend and show your love for sikhi through standing up against injustice and for freedom for sikhs. We have been oppressed and down trodden for many years lets change this and let the indian goverment know that they can never finish us off whatever technique they try. Lets carry Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Binderawales Mission which is for Sikhs to have freedom and justice in Punjab and across the World. Every Sikh in Europe is asked to attend to show what Sikhs stand for justice, freedom and peace.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

Various Panthic Jatheybandies have outright rejected the recent statement by the Sirsa Sauda Cult, that is being characterized as an apology by the Indian media.
The Dal Khalsa, Shahbaaz Khalsa, Damdami Taksal, the Khalsa Alliance, Akal Federation, Khalra Mission Organization, Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Federation, and other Panthic organizations have rejected the so-called Dera apology.
Shahbaaz Khalsa, Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Federation, and Shahidi Dal International, in a joint press conference, presented original copies of an 8-page souvenir booklet that was printed by the Sauda Cult detailing the April 29th mockery of the Amrit Sanchar ceremony by the cult leader.
Jathedar Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji mocked the statement and questioned Parkash Badal about whether the five “granthis” (pro-Vedanti Jathedars) should now go to Ram-Rahim’s Sirsa dera to forgive him or will he come to Akal Takht Sahib for the approval.
Jathedar Sahib suggested that the Sikh community should first straighten our these “Singh Sahibans” and the corrupted politicians who are making a mockery out of Sikh traditions and beliefs and disrespecting Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest - Baba seeks supreme court protection

News-
SC to hear Dera plea on June 4


NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday fixed June 4 to hear a petition filed by Dera Sacha Sauda seeking protection of their properties against an ultimatum given by the Akal Takht to vacate them and stop their activities. A Bench comprising Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice D K Jain said there was no urgency in the matter for early hearing. The Dera approached the apex court last Friday after the Akal Takht, the highest religious body of Sikhs, served an ultimatum to the Punjab government to close down all the Deras in the state by May 27. Dera head Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh, who was in conflict with Sikh clergy, on Sunday night tendered an apology for dressing like Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. The Dera, in a statement on Sunday evening, said it has already expressed regret for the chain of events and "now in the best interest of peace and tranquillity the Dera tenders an apology to Guru Gobind Singh".

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Dera StandoffSecurity review after May 31

Tribune News Service

Sikhs protest against the Punjab government and Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti after the bhog ceremony on Sunday. — Tribune photo by Rajesh Sachar
Salabatpura (Bathinda), May 27To rule out the possibility of any untoward incident in this village following a call given by Akal Takht that all deras being run by the Sacha Sauda sect be vacated by May 27, the police was put on maximum alert, apart from declaring this village sensitive.
Senior civil and police officials, including deputy commissioner Rahul Bhandari, DIG, Faridkot range, Jatinder Jain and SSP Nau Nihal Singh camped in the village for the whole day to ensure that no unpleasant happening took place. Media persons were allowed to enter the village only after establishing their identities.
The district police authorities had also asked the followers of the Sacha Sauda sect camping at the local branch of the dera to deposit firearms, if any, at the police stations concerned. The SSP said 300 licensed weapons had already been taken into possession.
He further said the matter in connection with the carrying of firearms by the followers of the sect into the dera was also discussed at the meeting of senior officials of the BSF and Punjab Police held recently.
Nau Nihal Singh pointed out that the security cover to the local branch of the dera would be reviewed on May 31 as per the threat perception.
He added that the district police authorities would then make its recommendations to the state government in connection with the security aspect.

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Kanwaljit’s bhog passes off peacefully
Tribune News Service

Though the bhog ceremony of Kanwaljit Singh (who died in firing near a dera at Sunam) today passed off peacefully at Gurdwara Nankiana Sahib, near here, the hardliners later gheraoed the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib outside the gurdwara and protested against the Jathedars of the Takhts and the Badal government.
Soon after the conclusion of the main function when almost all religious dignitaries and political leaders had left the stage certain hardliners took control of the stage and started addressing the people, seeking reply from the jathedars of the Takhts why they had not given any concrete programme to the Sikhs as the Sacha Sauda sect has not vacated its deras as per the ultimatum given by Akal Takht. The gathering also raised slogans against Badal.
Later a group of hardliners, who did not agree with the peace programme of the jathedars, gheraoed the vehicle of the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Tarlochan Singh, outside Gurdwara Nankiana Sahib and also had a heated argument with him. However, the police managed to take him to a safer place. The protesters continued their protests for about an hour in front of the gurdwara.
President of the SGPC Avtar Singh announced that a photograph of Kanwaljit Singh would be placed in the SGPC museum in Amritsar. Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh, head of Damdami Taksal Harnam Singh Dhumma, Sant Daler Singh Kherri Sahib Wale and Sant Nihal Singh Harian Belan Wale, a leader of the Nihangs, also paid tributes to Kanwaljit Singh. They also appealed to the people to maintain peace and follow the path shown by Akal Takht Sahib in this hour of crisis.
On behalf of the SGPC, Jathedar Avtar Singh presented a siropa and a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to Parminder Kaur, widow of Kanwaljit. On behalf of the Punjab government a cheque of Rs 5 lakh was also handed over by Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, to the family, while the Rs 11 lakh was announced by Sukhbir Singh Badal. Head of Damdami Taksal Harnam Singh honoured Kanwaljit’s wife and father Bant Singh with gold medals. Lakhs of rupees were also given to the family by many individuals and institutions on the occasion.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Sikh clergy emergency meeting tomorrow

Tribune News Service

The Jathedar, Akal Takht, has convened an emergency meeting of the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht secretariat on May 29 here to discuss the apology tendered by Dera Sacha Sauda.
A decision to this effect was taken by Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti after holding an informal meeting with Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh and Giani Tarlochan Singh — Jathedars of Takht Damdama Sahib and Kesgarh Sahib, respectively, in Sangrur where they had gone to attend the bhog ceremony of Kanwaljit Singh. The apology has come few hours before the end of the ultimatum served on Dera Sacha Sauda.
However, Jathedar Vedanti said that he could not comment on the apology tendered by the dera as it was addressed to Guru Gobind Singh. He said the Akal Takht had not received a fax from the dera and hence he could comment only after going through the contents of the apology.
Earlier, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had talked to Jathedar Vedanti to seek his cooperation in defusing the volatile situation.
Sources said Badal spoke to Jathedar Vedanti for about 10 minutes and discussed the current religious situation in Punjab. Harcharan Bains, media adviser to Chief Minister, said there was nothing wrong in what Badal spoke to Jathedar, Akal Takht, on Dera Sacha Sauda issue.
While a big section of the SGPC and the ruling SAD has described the apology as a “big achievement”, some radical Sikh organisations are not satisfied with the contents of letter. Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Parmjit Singh Sarna said though the dera had apologised for its acts, the contents of the letter had not assuaged the feelings of the Sikh masses.

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A positive development, says Agnivesh

Religious leader Swami Agnivesh, who was mediating to resolve the stand-off between Sikhs and the Dera Sacha Sauda, tonight described the apology tendered by the sect chief as a “positive development”.
“We haven’t seen the written text. But we have been told that he has tendered an apology tonight. We think it is a positive development,” Agnivesh said.
He said after hearing the news he had spoken to Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti.
“When I spoke to him tonight, he told me that the five Sikh high priests are meeting on May 29 to discuss the issue and a final decision will be taken then,” he said.
Agnivesh said he had appealed to the Akal Takht Jathedar to consider the apology and help in bringing peace to the state.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

Punjab calm, but on alert
Tribune News Service

Even as the deadline set by Akal Takht for the closure of all Dera Sacha Sauda centres expires peacefully today in Punjab and Haryana, the state will continue to be on high alert for a few more days. Parallel congregations, one of the dera at Sirsa and the other, bhog ceremony of Kanwaljit Singh at Sangrur passed off peacefully.
Calls for peace were made as Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti advised “restraint” today. Later in the evening, dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh tendered an apology that could end the crisis. Today even the hardline Damdami Taksal advised peace. The police said it would wait for the stand taken by Akal Takht and not withdraw the entire force immediately, rather taper-off the withdrawal over a few days.
The SAD thanked the people for maintaining peace in the state. The party said Punjabis had set an example before the whole world by maintaining peace and communal harmony in the face of grave provocation. It said this had also defeated the nefarious designs of anti-Panthic, anti-Punjabi, anti-people and anti-peace forces that were out to alienate Punjabis from the rest of the country.
A police spokesman said here that state police and paramilitary personnel were on high alert in Punjab, particularly in the Malwa belt which had a sizeable number of Sacha Sauda followers.
Paramilitary forces conducted flag marches in Amritsar, Sangrur, Bathinda, Moga, Manda, Muktsar and a few other places in the state.
The spokesman said the dera at Salabatapura, which was Sacha Sauda sect’s main centre in Punjab, had virtually been cordoned off with paramilitary personnel setting up barricades all around it. There were believed to be 2000-odd Sacha Sauda followers inside the dera.
Likewise, adequate security arrangements had also been made at all other deras in the state and its important functionaries had been provided security at their homes.
The security at important gurdwaras in the state, including Golden Temple, had been further strengthened. Meanwhile, the ‘antim ardas’ ceremony of Kanwaljit Singh concluded peacefully at Sangrur. Kanwaljit was killed on May 17 during a clash between Sikhs and Sacha Sauda supporters.

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Govts heave sigh of relief

Tribune News Service

After a fortnight of war of nerves between Jathedars of various Takhts of Sikhs and the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, peace, communal harmony and universal brotherhood got a fillip this evening when the dera tendered apology to the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
The apology, which the dera was initially reluctant to tender maintaining that it has never attempted or cannot even think of imitating great Sikh gurus, coincided with the deadline set by the Jathedars of five Takhts for today to seek closure of all branches of the dera in Punjab.
The entire nation watched with apt attention as which of two parties involved in this grave controversy would blink first. And the dera chose to do so in the interest of maintenance of peace and for communal harmony.
The apology had a substantial section of Sikh masses jubilant while the Jathedars of the Takhts and the Punjab Government were awaiting details of the statement issued by the Dera before reacting.
It, however, made the union government and the Punjab and Haryana governments heave a major sigh of relief as, sources said, it would go a long way in assuaging the hurt caused to the Sikh sangat by the dera actions.
“Apology is an apology and if tendered to the founder of the Khalsa panth, it becomes all the more significant and valuable,” commented a senior officials.
The apology, though strategically worded by avoiding reference to either the highest Sikh temporal seat of Akal Takht or the edict given by the jathedars of all five Takhts, came in the form of a Press statement issued by the dera late this evening.
The dera and its leadership has been under tremendous pressure not only from the union government besides the Punjab and Haryana governments to defuse the crisis generated by its May 13 advertisement in various newspapers which put the Punjab on boil with the Sikh organizations describing it outrageously blasphemous.
Subsequently, the Sarbat Khalsa convened at Talwandi Sabo asked Sikhs to socially boycott “premis”, the followers of the Dera, besides setting May 27 as the deadline for closure of all deras (branches) of Sacha Sauda in Punjab.
Besides the all-religion delegation headed by Swami Agnivesh of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, behind the scene efforts were made by the Union Government and the Haryana Government to persuade the dera to tender unqualified apology and defuse the unsavoury controversy which otherwise threatened to blow into a major communal conflict.
At one stage, dera and its followers were adamant to tender any “unqualified apology” maintaining that they have already expressed “regrets” over the unsavoury controversy, but continuous pressure from all sides made them relent. At the end of its monthly congregation at the dera headquarters in Sirsa, it issued half-page apology written in Hindi.
The Punjab Government’s handling of the situation also came for praise not only from the Punjab and Haryana High Court but also from the centre as the “explosive situation” was aptly handled by maintaining law and order, maintaining throughout that no one would be allowed to disturb peace, communal harmony and order in the State.
Besides the all-religion delegation, other persons who played the role of peacemaker included Haryana Rajya Sabha member Tarlochan Singh and Congress MLA from Bathinda, Harminder Singh Jassi, a relation of Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh.

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Dera apologises, but to Guru
Tribune News Service


Finally after 14 days, the conflict between Sikhs and dera followers seems to have ended, as the Dera Sacha Sauda apologised to the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh following the controversy over newspaper advertisements that showed the dera chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh attired like Guru Gobind Singh.
Tendering an apology through a press note issued at about 8 p.m. at the dera headquarters, the dera stated that there is no question of imitating Guru Gobind Singh, as we could not even think to do so.
“The dera had earlier too expressed regret over the whole issue. But in the large interest of the humanity, we apologise to great spiritual Guru Gobind Singh. We want peace and brotherhood to prevail in Punjab, Haryana and also in the country and abroad.”
In the 10-line one-page press release, the dera said that it was established in 1948 and respected all religions. We work to reform the people by preaching them to become vegetarian, to quit drugs, alcohol, and also teach the followers ways to overcome caste and religious barriers aa also to work for the humanity.
It was distributed to the media by a three-member team, headed by the dera chief spokesman Dr Aditya Arora.
However, the press note issued by the dera did not carry any signature or reference number. It was issued under the letterhead of the Dera Sacha Sauda. While distributing the press note, no cameraman of electronic or print medium was allowed. Besides, no member of the committee allowed any question.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

Dera comes knocking on SC door on Akal Takht ultimatum


NEW DELHI: The Dera Sacha Sauda on Friday moved a petition before the Supreme Court seeking protection for all the Deras across the country against an alleged ultimatum given by the Akal Takht to vacate them by May 27 and stop their activities. The petition filed by Abhijit Bhagat, a trustee and vice-chairman of the Dera, was mentioned before a bench comprising Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice D K Jain which posted its hearing for June 4 along with another petition filed on the issue. A public interest litigation (PIL) was also filed seeking protection to the lives and properties of both Sikhs and followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda cult. The Akal Takht, a highest religious body of Sikhs, has on May 20 served an ultimatum to the Punjab government to close down all the Deras in the state by May 27. The stand off between the Deras and the Sikhs was triggered by Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's alleged insult to tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.

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Sikh-Dera row: Deadline passes peacefully


CHANDIGARH: Punjab remained peaceful on Sunday even as the Akal Takht deadline to the Dera Sacha Sauda sect to vacate its campuses in the state came to an end with no untoward incident being reported till evening amid heavy security arrangements. Nearly 100,000 Punjab Police personnel and over 40 companies of paramilitary forces were in place in the state on Sunday - the deadline set by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism. The move was in protest against sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, whose actions they say have hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs. The sect leader had earlier this month attired himself like 10th Sikh guru Gobind Singh, offending many Sikhs and resulting in large-scale violence in Punjab. The sect headquarters at Sirsa town in Haryana, 300 km from here, was provided unprecedented security by Haryana police and central forces as thousands of Dera followers descended for their Sunday congregation. Though Punjab and parts of Haryana remained tense, there seemed to be no sign of the sect issuing a public apology for the allegedly blasphemous act, despite mounting pressure. There were no indications of the Dera vacating any of its campuses either. "We are ready for negotiations with anyone on this issue. There has been pressure on us to apologise on this issue. We want peace and will talk to anyone in this regard," a sect spokesman said in Sirsa. Efforts to work out a compromise between the sect and Sikhs by getting an apology from the sect chief failed to materialise even on Sunday. The Sikh clergy will meet again under the aegis of the Akal Takht May 31 to decide their future course of action.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

Dera chief apologises to Guru Gobind Singh


SIRSA: Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh on Sunday night tendered an apology to Guru Gobind Singh saying he had absolutely no intention to either imitate or replicate him. In a statement to the media, the Dera said it has already expressed regret for the chain of events and "now in the best interest of peace and tranquillity the Dera tenders an apology to Guru Gobind Singh". "Guruji (Sant Gurmit) says that he can never imitate or replicate the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh", it said. "We also pray for maintaining peace and brotherhood in Punjab, Haryana, within the country and abroad," the statement said. The statement said the Dera Chief and its followers stand only for unification of humanity. "Guruji (Sant Gurmit) is a humble servant of the entire humanity," the statement added.

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Hectic bid for peace saudaMediators seek time till May 31

Tribune News Service

Conveying its dismay over Dera Sacha Sauda not sending by today evening an unqualified apology to assuage the hurt feelings of Sikh community, the Sarva Dharam Sansad has appealed to Akal Takht to give it time till May 31 to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Sarva Dharam Sansad delegation, comprising Swami Agnivesh, Maulana Jameel Ilyasi Ahmad, Muni Lokesh and Father Dominic Emmanuel, which had gone to Sirsa on May 22 to persuade Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to tender an apology to the Sikh community to assuage their hurt feelings over alleged "imitation" of the 10th Sikh Guru and "replication" of the sacred baptism,
remained hopeful of getting an unqualified apology from the sect.
Swami Agnivesh said they had returned draft of apology, sent to them by the Dera on May 24, suggesting some amendments. "It is unfortunate that we have not heard anything from the Dera chief or anyone else from the Dera about the draft sent to them," he said, adding, "We have not lost hope."
The Sarva Dharam Sansad members appealed to those taking part in tomorrow's bhog of the Sikh protester killed during violence, to maintain peace. The members have written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, NDA chairman Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, about the "seriousness of the situation and the "urgency of resolving it at the earliest" in view of the May 27 deadline given by Akal Takht for the closure of dears in Punjab. The religious leaders of the Sarva Dharam Sansad said there was fear of hardline elements taking advantage of the situation and enemical external forces trying to fish in the troubled waters. They appealed to people to write to the Dera chief as also to Akal Takht to not allow the situation to deteriorate.
Swami Agnivesh said they had hoped to find an early solution to the stand-off following their visit to the dera and were planning to appeal to the Akal Takht to take back its hukumnama after an unqualified apology was given.
Asked about reasons for delay from the dera, he said dera officials had told them that they had an elaborate process of consultation. Complimenting the Punjab government and Sikh organisations for keeping the May 22 bandh totally peaceful, he said they were not leaving any stone unturned in finding a mutually acceptable solution. "We appeal to Akal Takht to give us time till May 31. We will put in our best efforts to find a solution," he said. Swami Agnivesh said they had insisted on a simple, short, unqualified apology from the dera chief so that it would be acceptable to Akal Takht and would not be rejected like the regret expressed earlier.
Answering a query, Swami Agnivesh said they had an assurance from Akal Takht of a possible solution once an unqualified apology was tendered.
Swami Agnivesh said they were in touch with chief ministers of Haryana and Punjab who had assured them full cooperation.
In his letter to the Prime Minister, Swami Agnivesh said while the attitude of Sikh leaders was flexible, that of the dera chief was "dilatory".

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest - 'Sacha Sauda'

LAST DAY OF ULTIMATUM OF ALL THE DERAS BEING SHUT BY TODAY!

TODAY IS BHOG OF SHAHEED BHAI KAMALJEET SINGH JI BUT MEDIA SAYS THAT THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF BHAI SAHIB ARE NOT PRESENT IN THE BHOG, BECAUSE THEY HAVE BHOG ALSO AT THEIR HOME AND THE OTHER BHOG IS AT SANGROR GURDWARA SAHIB WHERE ALL PANTHIC DALS ARE COMING.

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Plea against use of word ‘Sacha Sauda’

The International Bhai Mardana Kirtan Darbar Society has raised objection against the use of the title Sacha Sauda by Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Harpal Singh Bhullar, president of the organisation, said their society had filed a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court to prevent the dera from using the title Sacha Sauda.
He added that a five-member committee comprising himself, Santokh Singh, Baldev Singh Moga, G.S. Sandhu and Sham Singh (co-chairman of the PSGPC, Pakistan) has been constituted to follow the petition in the high court.

Punjab - Tight Security as the bhog of Shaheed Kamaljit Singh Ji

Sunam victim’s bhog Tight security at gurdwara, deras
Tribune News Service

In the light of the bhog ceremony of Kanwaljit Singh (who died on May 17 in firing near a dera of Sacha Sauda sect at Sunam) on May 27 at Gurdwara Nankiana Sahib near here and the ultimatum given by Akal Takht to vacate all deras of Sacha Sauda by May 27, the district administration has made elaborate and tight security arrangements in Sangrur and at all deras falling in the district. It is expected that about 15,000 persons will participate in the bhog ceremony.
In view of the sensitivity of the situation Punjab chief secretary Ramesh Inder Singh today visited Sangrur to take stock of the situation. He also held a meeting with deputy commissioner S.R. Ladhar and SSP Arunpal Singh to review security and other arrangements.
A large number of security personnel have been camping at the local General Gurnam Singh Public School. Policemen were today seen putting up barricades on a road leading towards the gurdwara and local branch of the dera. Ladhar today also imposed a ban on carrying of arms on the gurdwara premises.
Talking to The Tribune today, the SSP said around 2,500 security personnel had been deployed in the town. He also said all 10 deras in the district had been provided with security.
The DC and the SSP today also held a meeting with SGPC members at Guru Nanak Niwas in the gurdwara.

Punjab - Breaking News - The latest

Dera-Sikh row: CPM warns Punjab Govt
Tribune News Service

The Haryana state committee of the CPM has warned the Punjab Government against adopting a partisan attitude in dealing with the ongoing tussle between followers of the Sirsa-based dera and Sikh religious organisations.
The party has also condemned the political parties for patronising religious bodies for getting electoral favours. "The present situation is a result of the dangerous trend set by the political parties, which have been exploiting the religious sentiments of people for furthering their vested interests," CPM state secretary Inderjit Singh said in a statement issued here today.
Expressing deep concern over the recent happenings in various parts of Punjab and Haryana over the issue, the CPM state committee has termed the entire episode as "unfortunate". The committee said the countrymen had already suffered a lot due to such gross political misuse of religion. Recalling that serious allegations of criminal nature had been pending against the dera chief for the past several years, the CPM state secretary maintained that it was highly objectionable that instead of the dera chief proving his innocence, his followers resorted to mob tactics to prevent the CBI from inquiring into the allegations.