Talwandi Sabo (January 10, 2010): 43rd group of 11 Sikhs, called Jatha, is reported to have been arrested by Punjab Police from Talwandi Sabo, while they were attempting to march towards Salabatpura (Bathinda) based branch of Dera Sauda Sirsa (DSS).
This jatha left Takhat Damdama Sahib, fifth temporal seat of the Sikhs, at around afternoon, soon after they were arrested by Talwandi sabo police and were taken to the police station, informed Mata Malkeet Kaur Jaga Ram Tirath, a senior leader of Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhnai).
File Photo: A scene of Jatha leaving Takhat Damdama Sahib
It is notable that the head of DSS is accused for hurting Sikh sentiments, as he attempted to personify the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in May 2007. Personification of Sikh Gurus is strictly prohibited in Sikhism. DSS was declared as anti-Sikh sect by general gathering of Sikhs held at Damdama Sahib on 17th May, 2007. This decision was re-confirmed by the Akal Takhat Sahib on 20th May, 2007 and Sikhs were asked not to allow dera followers to hold their vicious activities.
Badal Government, under the pressure of Indian state system, attempted to reopen various branches of DSS in Punjab in early months of 2009. At this point of time various Sikh organizations joined hands against the Government’s move and launched a peaceful agitation called ‘morcha’. On 22nd March, 2009, first jatha (group) of eleven Sikhs marched towards Salabatpura branch of DSS to seek its’ closure, but this group was arrested by the Police. Since then, every Sunday, eleven Sikhs march towards Salabatpura to seek its’ lockout. “So far 43 jathas have been arrested by the police but the Sikh sangat is committed to continue with the struggle till success.” said Bhai Sukhwinder Singh of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satikar Sabha (Haryana).