Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, Head Granthi Sri Akal Sahib reciprocated with a positive gesture to Shanti Samiti from Sirsa. The members of the Samiti met him on 14 July, 2007 at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. Efforts to resolve the Dera Sacha Sauda-Sikhs row received a major boost when a 25-member delegation “Shanti Samiti, Sirsa” met Jathedar Akal Takht urging him to resolve the issue as early as possible in a peaceful manner. Addressing the NEWS media, Jathedar Vedanti said that he appreciated the efforts and sincerity of the committee and hoped that peace should rule the region soon, he further said had the Dera Chief tendered the apology earnestly such a situation would never had surfaced. Jathedar Vedanti said even now he expected that if a sincere apology is tendered by the Dera Chief, then the situation should ease out and should prove to be in the welfare for both the states of Haryana and Punjab. But it should not again be of the types sent earlier which were either unsigned printed letters from the Dera administration or had a header ‘Press Note’. He clarified that these were not at all Apologies in proper form and factor. He further said that the dear chief should refrain from blasphemous acts not only towards Sikhs but also towards other communities like Hindus. Muslims, Christians etc. He said that this delegation as well we want peace and welfare, but the ball is in the court of Dera Chief.
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The delegation besides the convener Mr. Jagdish Raj Chopra, included Dr. Gulab Singh Sihag, S. Swarn Singh Wirk, S. Surender Singh Vaidwala, Mr. Vinod Mittal, S. Avtar Singh, Comrade Jai Chand Sahaarni, Mr. Heera Lal Sharma, Dr. Ved Beniwal, Mr. Surender Bhatia, Mr Satish Mehra, Mr. OP Bishnoi, Mr. Kirandeep, S. Balkaur Singh. Mr Ramesh Mehta, Mr. Veerbhan Mehta, Mahant Baldev Das, S. Ajaib Singh, Dr Bhim Sharma, S. Gurmel Singh etc. these were doctors, journalists, advocates, businessmen and leaders of various social and political organizations from Sirsa.Talking to Sirsa NEWS, leader of the delegation Mr. Jagdish Raj Chopra said they had come here not only with the signatures but also with the emotions and sentiments of more than one lakh people of his district to appeal Jathedar of Akal Takht Joginder Singh Vedanti to find a peaceful solution to the Dera-Sikhs row. He said the people of Sirsa also condemned the alleged blasphemous act of the Dera chief Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and wanted that normalcy should return to the two states.Mr. Jagdish Raj Chopra said they had also met the dera chief two days ago and had received a positive response from him in resolving the dera row. He claimed that the dera chief was also ready to take steps to resolve the issue, including sending a fresh apology. The dera followers ended their 25-day chain fast on the instructions of the dera chief.
Comrade Swarn Singh informed the press and media that the committee was not representing any single party and was instead here as ambassadors of peace representing the feelings of all the people of the Sirsa region. He said that the peace committee has been formed under the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Sirsa, to negotiate with the agitating Dera followers and the aggrieved Sikhs. He said that signed appeals from thousands of people of Sirsa have been brought to Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Copies of these signed appeals were also taken to Dera Sacha Sauda Chief a couple of days before reaching Sri Akal Takht.
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The committee members later visited Jallianwala Bagh & Durgiana Mandir. The committee members also met Mr. Ramesh Sharma and Mr. Surinder Billa of Durgiana Shrine Parbandhak Board. Mr. Billa informd the delegation that Durgiana Mandir is largest Hindu Temple in the city. This temple is devoted to goddess Durga and dates back to 16th century. This famous Hindu Shrine was founded by Lala Nathu Mal Rangwala and Guru Sahai Mal in 1921. There are other temples Durga Mata Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Bairon Mandir inside the Complex. Shri Ram Nassen of Lahore in 1905 constructed a Sarover. In 1921 a bridge measuring 250 feet in length and 18 feet in width was constructed to reach the major shrine adoring the idols of Shri Laxmi Narayan, Sita and Ram, Radha and Krishna. These idols are beautifully draped and profusely ornamented. All the dignitaries visiting Golden Temple also make a point to visit Durgiana temple.
The committee members also visited Wagah border and witnessed the flag lowering ceremony, better known as the 'Retreat' which is performed everyday, Shortly before sunset, by Border Security Force (BSF) jawans on the Indian side and Pakistan Rangers on the other side.
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