Press Notes

Three books focusing on the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s Sahibzadas were released today. Two cassettes and one CD of shabad sangeet by Dr Gurnam Singh, Bhai Manpreet Singh, Prof Alankar Singh, Prof Jagjit Singh, Dr Surinder Kapila, Bibi Jaspreet Kaur and Dr Nivedita Singh were also released. Brought out by the District Cultural Society and the District Administration of Fatehgarh Sahib, the books “Chhote Sahibzadian Di Shaheedi Gatha”, “Sir Deejay Kan Na Keejay”, and “Sach Neehan Which Chamke” are written and edited by Kavi Pandit Puran Chand, Dr Dharminder Singh Ubha and Dr Harchand Singh Sirhindi, respectively. Deputy Commissioner of Fatehgarh Sahib S.K. Ahluwalia said the books were aimed at paying tributes to the Sahibzadas

Various religious and social organisations led by Mr. Subegh Singh, Manager and Bhai Baldev Singh, Head Granthi of Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib in a simple but impressive function today honoured Mr. S. K.Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner and presented "Siropa" for commemorating tercentenary of martyrdom of Sahibjadas in a purely religious manner and not allowing any body to indulge in playing of loudspeakers, putting up amusement, circus, gambling, dances stalls. SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Bir Devinder Singh, former Deputy Speaker and all SGPC members from district also appreciated the administrative steps taken by the administration to convert this Mela into Saheedi Jor Mela. Addressing the function Mr. Subegh Singh, Manager of the Gurudwara said that it earlier the people used to come in white clothes, with black dupatas/turbans, bare feet to pay the homage to the great martyrs but with the passage of time, certain sections of the society with vested interests started to take political and commercial mileage and turned this historic and pious event into commercial and political activity. But Mr. S.K. Ahluwalia as a Deputy Commissioner with his efforts succeeded in commemorating the event in its true religious sprit and did not succumb to any pressure. He did not permit any type of gambling, dancing stalls, wine shops, swings, circuses and other items of amusement. He had organised many Kirtan darbars by the renowned Ragi Jathas in every nook and corner of the district throughout the year in collaboration with Distt. Cultural society. He had been appealing to the people to commemorate the tercentenary event in purely religious manner. He has increased the faith of the people in this historic event. For the first time he introduced free bus service for handicapped, senior citizens upto Gurudwara, free parking and no shop was allowed on both sides of roads. His efforts must be reciprocated and appreciated by everyone irrespective of caste creed or political affiliations. It is worth mentioning that last year more than hundreds of Panchayats conferred him the award of “Honour of Punjab". for ensuring the commemoration of Saheedi Jor Mel in its true spirit. Many religious institutions and Sant Samaj appreciated him for preserving the rich heritage of the Sikh community, which were being diluted year by year. Addressing the gathering Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia thanked everybody for co-operating in commemorating the tercentenary in true religious spirit. He said that it had been made possible with the co-operation of every section of society. He thanked Chief Minister for sanctioning enough funds for the occasion. He said that it was for the first time that no untoward incident was reported. He appreciated the role and arrangements made by District police.

The three day tercentenary commemoration of Saheedi Jor Mela held in the memory of Younger Sahibjadas of Guru Gobind Singh Baba Zorawar Singh 9 years and Baba Fateh Singh 7 years, who were bricked alive by Mughals for not embracing Islam, concluded here with religious ceremonies. To mark the concluding ceremony Giani Tirlochan Singh Jathedar Talhat Shri Keshgarh Sahib performed " Ardas" at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib at exact 9AM and after that a massive " Nagar Kirtan" led by " Panj Piaras" was taken out from Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib, more than 10 Lakh devotees were accompanied the Nagar Kirtan and it covered the distance of 1 KM in 4 hours. School bands, various Gatka Parties, Nihang Singhs displaying martial arts, Kirtani Jathas, Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Societies, Sangat from California USA, Canada, Greece displaying their banners, Sewak Chowki Jathas, various social, religious and political leaders were accompanying the Nagar Kirtan. "Guru Granth Sahib" was kept in a Golden palanquin, donated this year by Sangat of London and it was well decorated with flowers. Singh Sahib Giani Puran Singh, head granthi Shri Darbar Sahib, Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar Shri Akal Takhat Sahib, Giani Tarlochan Singh Jathedar Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib, Giani Balwant Singh Anandgarh Takhat Shri Damdama Sahib and Giani Iqbal Singh Jathedar Patna Sahib were performing the Sewa of " Chor Sahib", while Giani Puran Singh Head Granthi Shai Darbar Sahib was carrying Golden Chor Sahib. Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with Bibi Jagir kaur, president SGPC also joined the ' Ardas" at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib. Bibi Jagir Kaur, president SGPC, Bhai Ranjit Singh former Jathedar Akal Takhat, Kirpal Singh Libra, R.S.Cheema, Ranjit Singh Libra, A.S.Dharni Advocate, all SGPC members from district accompanied the palanquin. Giani Puran Singh, head Granthi Darbar Sahib performed concluding " Ardas" at Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib and took the " Mukh Wak". Bibi Jagir Kaur and all the Jathedars of five Takhats addressed the gathering and urged the Sangat to follow the footsteps of our Gurus and principles of Sikhism that would be true tribute to martyrs. The main attraction of the mela was displaying of "Ganga Sagar" by Rai Azizullah Khan, member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, and a direct descendant of the Nawab of Raikot Kalah III, whom Guru Gobind Singh had gifted Ganga Sagar. He brought Ganga sagar to Fatehgarh Sahib on the eve of tercentenary commemoration of martyrdom of Sahibzadas. Every body, who came to pay obeisance also had a glimpse of the sacred urn "Ganga Sagar" of the tenth Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh which was placed on a rotating pedestal on a specially- designed wagon, in front of Gurdwara Fatehgarh sahib. Light and sound programm " Sirhind Ki Dastan" organised by Public Relation department though attracted large number of devotees but due to poor sound quality, it failed to give any impression rather disappointed the devotees. Addressing a joint press conference after the conclusion of Mela Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota DIG Patiala Range and Mr. Varinder Kumar SSP thanked the devotees for co-operating the district administration in commemorating the Saheedi Jor Mela in purely religious and smooth manner as well as in maintaining law and order. They said that it was for the first time that not even a single complaint or untoward incident was reported. Mr. Kulbir Singh Sidhu IAS Chief Coordinator of Mela thanked all the officers, employees and Sahibjadas on the successful conclusion of mela. More than 500 community kitchens served Langer to the devotees, who had turned up many times than the previous Jor Mela due to tercentenary commemoration.

Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh today announced to set up a Super speciality Hospital for Children here as a tribute to younger Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh who created a history and left an indelible impression on the sands of time by their supreme sacrifices at the altar of duty and righteousness - the dharma. Paying rich tributes at the ‘Shardhanjli Samaroh’ organized here on the 300th Anniversary of Martyrdom of younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri ji, Capt. Singh said that this hospital would perpetuate the memory of younger Sahibzadas and would be equipped with the state-of-the-art technology with qualified and experienced physicians, surgeons and consultants to provide the best treatment to the children from infancy to adolescence. Capt. Singh said that the State Government had already dedicated four commemorative gates to the people which were erected on the roads leading to Fatehgarh Sahib and named after Baba Moti Mehra, a kind hearted fellow who put his life to a great risk and served milk to the young children in the prison, Raja Todar Mal who purchased land for the cremation of the dead bodies of Mata Gujri ji and the young ones after paying a huge sum to the Nawab of Sirhind, Nawab of Malerkotal Sher Mohammad Khan whose just and sane advice to Nawab Wazir Khan against the prosecution of the young children went unheeded and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur who attacked Sirhind and punished all those responsible for the martyrdom of Sahibzadas. He said that all these four towering and devoted personalities did a yeoman service towards the Sikh Panth thereby holding the rich moral values in their own humble way under those very trying circumstances. He hoped that these magnificent gates would also act as source of inspiration to imbibe the qualities of self-sacrifice, humility, tolerance, love, harmony and compassion amongst the masses and keep their memories alive in our minds. Capt. Singh also asked the SGPC and other Sikh institutions to preserve Sikh shrines and monuments in its original architectural design and structure rather to demolish them recklessly to erect buildings on them. He however, said that he was not against the construction of these buildings but at the same time our ancient monuments like Chamkaur Di Garhi, Damdama Sahib where Sri Guru Gobind Singh undid his ‘Kamarkasa’ should be preserved to propagate the concept of our rich cultural heritage. He pointed out that nowhere in the world any religion does like this. He cited the examples of Jerusalem and Mecca where these religious places dates back to 2000 years were still in their original architectural grandeur. He also mentioned that in 1840 his forefathers engaged the services of artistes from Guler and Kangra for the paintings of the walls of the Gurdwara Gurdwara Moti Bagh and Gurdwara Nauvi Patsahi Bahadurgarh and he personally requested the then SGPC President 20 to 25 years ago not to demolish the original structures of these Gurdwaras. Instantly, he acceeded to my request but later the authorities pulled down these structures to my utter surprise and the reason best know to them. He expressed great concern over this insane phenomenon of demolishing these buildings purposelessly and wondered what we would preserve for our progeny for the times to come. Capt. Singh also reiterated that a Sports Center for the children in the memory of Sahibzadas Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh would be established at Chamkaur Sahib to the promote the sports activities amongst the youth as announced by him earlier at the Shaheedi Samaroh organized there in the memory of elder Sahibzadas a couple of days ago. Capt. Singh said that the Akalis who considered themselves to be the custodians of the Sikh Panth never bothered to fulfill the aspirations of the Sikhs rather promoted their own vested and narrow interests for political ends. He mentioned that akalis planned to construct Rs.200 crore Khalsa Heritage Project at Sri Anandpur Sahib during the Tercentenary Celebrations of Khalsa Panth in 1999 and left the project midway due to the paucity of the funds. “Now our Government had made concerted efforts to mobilize Rs.160 crore to accomplish this project positively by the end of next year, out of this Rs.50 crore would be provided by the Government of India as promised by Prime Minister of India Dr.Manmohan Singh during his visit to Amritsar on the occasion of 400th Anniversary of Installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Sri Harmandir Sahib”, said Capt. Singh. The corridor (Galiara) scheme for the beautification of Golden Temple also met the same fate and now our Government had again taken up this issue with the Government of India to complete this project at the earliest. Speaking on the occasion, Union Home Minister Shiv Raj Patil said that the unprecedented and unique selfless sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri ji would be a source of inspiration for the future generations and the real tribute to the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri ji would be to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, compassion, love and communal harmony amongst ourselves. Mr.Patil further said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib was a unique holy scripture that had included the Bani of many saints and bhagats irrespective of their caste, colour and creed like Bhagat Namdev who hailed from Maharashtra, my State. He advocated that Sri Guru Granth Sahib was the only scripture with universal appeal propagating oneness of God, ethos of secularism and sense of equality. Paying homage to the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri ji, Mrs.Ambika Soni, Member Parliament and General Secretary AICC said that it was our bounden duty on this historic day to keep our youth abreast with our rich and glorious past to enable them to emulate the life and philosophy of great martyrs. She also urged the youth to shun the growing menace of drug abuse. She also exhorted the women to imbibe the qualities of pious character, righteousness and firm determination as demonstrated by Mata Gujri ji. She expressed confidence and hoped that if we earnestly do our duty we would certainly transform our society into an ideal one. While addressing on the occasion Mrs.Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Deputy Chief Minister said that Congress was only secular party in the country and vehemently translated the aspirations of Sikh Panth into reality, on the contrary the Akalis – the protagonists of Sikh Panth raised merely hollow slogans to gain cheap popularity. She also warned Akalis to shun the practice of mixing of religion with politics. Speaking on the occasion Mr.H.S.Hanspal, President PPCC said that we should seriously introspect ourselves whether we had propagated the unique and unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh in a right earnest or not. He said that it was of our foremost duty to instill the values of glorious legacy of Sikh Panth amongst the youth. He advocated that the Indian history in general and history of Sikhs in particular must be reviewed and updated after a thorough research and proper documentation and lauded Capt. Singh for setting up a research center on Sikh history at Chamkaur Sahib. Earlier, Capt. Amarinder Singh alongwith Mr.Shiv Raj Patil and Mrs.Ambika Soni paid their obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. On this occasion Giani Baldev Singh, Head Granthi of the Gurdwara presented Siropas to all of them. Later, Mr.Patil and Mrs.Soni accompanied by Capt. Singh also paid their obeisance to the sacred Relics of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji bestowed upon the forefathers of the Chief Minister. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr.Ashwani Kumar, Member Parliament, Mr.Shamsher Singh Dullo, Ex M.P. from Ropar, Mr.Jasjit Singh Randhawa & Mr.Jagmohan Singh Kang (both Cabinet Ministers), Mr.Harbans Lal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr.Sadhu Singh Dharmshot, Parliamentary Secretary, Mr.Tej Parkash Singh and Mr.Ramesh Dut Sharma (both MLA) and Mr.Jasbir Singh, Ex-Minister.

Rai Azizullah Khan, member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, and a direct descendant of the Nawab of Raikot Kalah III, whom Guru Gobind Singh had gifted Ganga Sagar said that the money which Sikh sangat was donating as a respect to Ganga Sagar would be spent for the welfare of the people of all religion. He said that he had already talked with shroimoni Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) that donatation of sangat would be spent by a trust and not by SGPC which he would set up. He said that trust would spend money on the education and social needs of needy and deserving people of all the religion. Talking about the decision of his family to take Ganga sagar to Indian Punjab on the occasion of 300 years of martyrdom of Sahibzadas he said that he had taken the sagar to the other countries of the world where Sikhs gave him great respect and then he decided to take it India which is birth of khalsa panth on this special occasion. He said that he would stay here upto 26th and would participate in the Nagar Kirtan on the concluding function of 300th year of martyrdom from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Joyti syrup sahib He said he has not forgotten the contribution of the Nawabs of Raikot and has preserved the room in which the ‘rare -gift’ was kept for public darshan by the Nawabs for nearly two and a half centuries before they took it away to Pakistan in 1947. He said that he would keep the Ganga sagar in the same room for the darshan of sangat in Raikot where prakash of Guru Granth Sahib in the is done daily. Large number of devotees on the first day of Jor Mela have a glimpse of the sacred urn "Ganga Sagar" of the tenth Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh which was placed on a rotating pedestal on a specially- prepared wagon,in front of Gurdwara Fatehgarh sahib.

The three day tercentenary commemoration of the martyrdom of Younger Sahibjadas and Mata Gujri Ji begin with religious fervor and ceremonies with " Arambh of Akhand Path Of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib". Bhai Baldev Singh , head Granthi Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib performed the " Ardas". On the very first day of Saheedi Jor Mela unexpected sea of devotees thronged Fatehgarh Sahib and long queues of devotees were witnessed at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib. Gen.( Retd) S.F.Rodrigues, Governor of Punjab also paid obeisance at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahibb. Devotees were coming in the shape of Nagar Kirtans reciting Gurbani. More than 25 Lakh devotees are expected to pay obeisance. The Saheedi Jor Mela started with purely religious manner.For the first time no shops, stalls, conferences or community kitchens have been allowed on both sides of the roads. Playing of loudspeakers, swings, circus, skill games, amusement games, gambling stalls and sale of intoxicants has been strictly banned and only Gurbani is being relayed from Gurudwara Sahib. Meanwhile Gen.( Retd) S.F.Rodrigues, Governor of Punjab today inaugurated an impressive exhibition organised by District Administration depicting the achievements of various Govt. departments and other agencies. He visited various stalls. Later he released the special issue of bi-monthly magzine 'Yuva Chetna' dedicated to the martyrdom of younger Sahibjadas carried out by Distt. Administration and Hospital Welfare Section. He appreciated the efforts of District Admnistration in commemorating the tercentenary event in purely religious manner. Hundreds of langers have been put by all sections of society and even by NRI's to serve langar to the devotees. The Distt. Cultural Society in collaboration with district administration has also organised Dhadi/kirtan darabr at main pandal and 'Akhand Path' has been started there. Free Bus service has been provided to carry the ladies and senior citizens from Naka Points to the Gurudawara Sahib. Free Parking has also been provided by the district administration for the devotees. The main attraction of the Shahidi Jor Mel would be light and sound programme 'Sirhind Ki Dastan' being organised by public relation department. The second day of the Saheedi Jor Mel would be marked by the political conferences, however the district administration has appealed to all political parties not to make political speeches and to commemorate the event in purely religious frevour. On the concluding day of the mel, a nagar kirtan would be carried out from Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Gurudwara Jyoti Syrup.

To provide modern, state of the art faculties to the media person for better coverage of tercentenary commemorations of martyrdom of younger Sahibjadas, Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner today inaugurated hi-tech media centre at Distt. Administrative Complex. The media has been set up in coordination with National Informatics Centre(NIC). It will have 10 computers having InterNet/E-mail facilities, scanners, digital cameras, fax and telephone lines. According to Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner, as large number of media persons from all over the country are expected to come for the coverage of the historic event, so for their convenience, the district administration has provided all means of communications and other facilities. He said the media centre will have power backup in event of failure of electricity for some duration. He said that more than 25 lakhs devotees are expected to pay their homage to martyrs, so the electronic as well as print media people has to play an important role in giving information to rest of the world.

On the eve of tercentenary commemorations of martyrdom of younger Sahibjadas and Mata Gujri, an impressive website has been launched by Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner here today. The website has been launched in view of all those devotees, who could not come to pay obeisance on this historic event, may get first hand information about the commemorations and as well as the various events being carried out by SGPC and State Govt. The website is having the history of Saka Sirhind, the details of events to be organized, visiting dignitaries, programme schedule, route maps for vehicles, train timings, parking sites, medical facilities, photo galleries, important telephone numbers, security arrangements, press releases and transport facilities. It would be helpful to the devotees coming from all over the world to pay obeisance. The Link would be provided from the existing website of the district and can be accessed from http://fatehgarhsahib.nic.in.

Deputy Commissioner said that the website has been developed by District cultural society in collaboration with district administration and National Informatics Centre(NIC). He said that special issue of 'Yuva Chetan quarterly magzine' dedicated to the tercentenary commemorations of Sahibjadas published by Distt. Hospital welfare society has also been put on the website. This issue will contain the articles of Sikh scholars on the indelible Saka and supreme sacrifice of sahibjadas. The website would also contain all the instructions and prohibitory orders issued by the Distt. Administration to commemorate the event smoothly.

All the four memorial gates constructed in the memory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Diwan Todar Mal, Nawab Sher Mohamad Khan and Moti Ram Mehra would be inaugurated on Dec.23rd. In a communication to district administration, Govt. has informed that Capt. Amarinder Singh would inaugurate one memorial gate on GT Road, where as one gate would be inaugurated by Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, one by Chaudhry Jagjit Singh and fourth by Lal Singh.

Mr. Jasjit Singh Randhawa, Minister for Co-Operation along with Mr. Kulbir Singh Sidhu IAS member Secy. centenary Commemoration and S.K Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner reviewed the arrangements for the Saheedi Jor Mela. They along with Deputy Commissioner and SSP addressed the district officials. Mr. Randhawa said that the Govt. is commemorating the tercentenary of the martyrdom all the four Sahibjadas at Chamkau Sahib and Fatehgarh Sahib. He said that all the arrangements have been completed and at Fatehgarh Sahib more than 25 Lakh devotees are expected to pay obeisance. He said that Govt. has given a grant of Rs.3.46 Crore to district administration for various development works on this eve. He said that for the first time the Govt. would set up its own stage and there would be " Parkash Of Guru Granth Sahib". He said that all the proceedings conducted from the stage would be totally religious in nature. He said that various central leaders along with Chief Minister and other leaders would pay obeisance to Sahibjadas.

All India Baba Zorawar Singh Baba Fateh Singh memorial Saheedi Footbal tournament would be organised by Dashmesh Football club at BBSB Engg. College grounds from Dec.22 to Dec.26.

Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner, while giving detailed information about the preparations made by the district administration as well as about the events to be initiated by district administration, said that though officially five days are left for the starting of the event but district administration would start activities from Dec.21. He said on the night of Bhakti Sangeet Samelan dedicated to Sahibjadas would be organised at Giani Dit Singh Auditorium at BBSB Engg. College in which Mr. Puran Chand Wadali and Manpreet Akhtar would perform. He said that on Dec.23rd Capt. Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister would inaugurate the four memorial gates constructed on all the four entry points of the district. These gates are dedicated to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Diwan Todar Mal, Nawab Sher Mohamad Khan and Moti Ram Mehra all those who helped Sahibjadas at the time of their bricking alive. Chief Minister had laid their foundation stone last year and had promised to construct these memorial gates by next Saheedi Jor Mela and he has kept the promise. DC said that on that day Capt. Amarinder Singh would also address public rally.

Prof. D.N.Mittal memorial trust would organise a massive blood donation camp on Dec.20th at Bassi Pathana town of the district. According to Prof. Harshwinder Singh, Secy. of the trust this camp would be dedicated to the tercentenary commemoration of the supreme sacrifice of Sahibjadas. He said that a doctors team from PGI would take the blood.

Mr. S.K. Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner today charge sheeted 3 Block Development and Panchayat Officers of the district as they failed to turn up in the meeting called to review the arrangements of tercentenary commemorations. The Deputy Commissioner said that the charge sheeted BDPOs are Arun Sharma BDPO khera, Jatinder Singh Dhillon BDPO Sirhind and Roop Singh BDPO Khamano. The report has been sent to Govt. for their negligence towards their official duty specially on this occasion. He said that officers having such type of attitude would not be tolerated and strict disciplinary action would be taken.

Mr. S.K. Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner said that 24th December has been declared as public holiday so that all may pay their obeisance to the younger sahibjadas

Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner said that all the four memorial gates being erected in memory of Baba Banda Singh bahadur, Nawab Sher Mohamad Khan, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and Diwan Todar Mal would be ready before 23rd December. He said that the Govt. has given Rs. 3.46 Crore for various developmental works on the eve of tercentenary commemorations. He said that the proper utilization of funds would be ensured and the defaulting agencies would be dealt sternly.

Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner said that temporary and mobile health posts would be established at different places to provide free medical facilities to the devotees.

Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner said that for uninterrupted supply of electricity, the Fatehgarh sahib grid has been linked to all the possible Feeders to ensure round the clock power supply

Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner said that on this occasion an impressive exhibition depicting the achievements of the various departments of the Govt. would be organised. An impressive Light and Sound Programme depicting 'Sirhind Ki Dastan' would also be organised at Aam Khas Bagh by public Relation Department.

Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia Deputy Commissioner said that five information centres for the convenience of devotees would be established at different locations.

The Distt. Administration has ordered to construct a special road connecting Madhopur Railway crossing and Railway Overbridge along the railway line for the convenience of devotees comming on the eve of sahidi Jor Mel, said Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner.

The Distt. Administration has made arrangments to provide free parking facility for devotees comming on the eve of sahidi Jor Mela, said Mr. S.K.Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner. He said that 55 Acre land has been acquired for this purpose. He said that volunteers would be deputed to manage these parking places free of cost. He said that 12 special buses would be plied to carry the devotees from various Nakas to Gurudwara Sahib. He said that special jeeps would also be arranged to carry the langar items from the various Nakas to the place of Langar.

In view of commemoration of tercentenary of the supreme sacrifice of Younger Sahibjadas of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Gujri Ji from December 23rd to Dec. 26 at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Chief Secretary Punjab Govt. has deputed 8 more PCS officers to assist Deputy Commissioner Fatehgarh Sahib in commemorating the historical event. Earlier 2 PCS officers were deputed and they resumed their duties, while these 8 PCS officers would resume their duties from Dec.22.

All the arrangements for commemorating the most pious and historical event in a purely religious manner have been completed and various committees have been formed, said Mr. S.K. Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner, while reviewing the arrangements of Sahidi Jor Mel. He said that on the request of State Govt. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister might join the tri-centenary commemoration. He said that more than 20 Lakh devotees are expected to pay their obeisance to the Younger Sahibzadas from all over the country and abroad. He said that for the first time no shop, stall, conference or community kitchens would be allowed on both sides of the roads from Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib and towards Roza Sharif. He said that earlier parking contractors used to fleece the devotees, now the district administration has arranged free parking on all sides of Jor Mela. He said that there would be no sale of liquor and wine shops would remain close during the event. He said that carrying of weapons, playing of loudspeakers, swings, circus, skill games, amusement games, gambling stalls and sale of intoxicants has been strictly banned. He said that the martyrdom of younger Sahibjadas of Guru Gobind Singh, would be commemorated strictly in a religious spirit. Bhagti Sangeet Samelan, Var Gayan, painting on Sahibjadas and Shabad Gayan competitions would be organised by the District administration. He said that after identifying the exact time of their bricking alive, district administration would arrange siren, which would be played on that exact time, so that the devotees may pay homage by standing at that exact time. He said that Public Relation Department would organise Light and Sound programme " Sirhid Ki Dastan".

According to Mr Varinder Kumar SSP, Mr. Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, DIG today reviewed all the arrangements made by the district Police. He said that police has made elaborate foolproof security arrangements more than 3000 police personnel of all ranks would be deputed and 12 Police Nakas, 8 check barriers, 13 Parking places, 10 Observation posts would be set up. He said that the policemen having latest equipments would be posted on observation posts to keep a close watch on the activities of criminals and anti social elements. He said that besides this policemen in plain clothes would also be posted to nab anti social elements. He said that the traffic would be regulated through link roads and two special buses would be operated upto Gurudwara Sahib for the senior citizens.

Mr. Charanjit Singh Walia, Chairman Punjab Khadi Board, while addressing a press conference here today said that, Punjab khadi Board would organize State level exhibition of Khadi Board on the eve of tercentenary commemoration of Sahibjadas and this exhibition would be unique and would be inaugurated by Chief Minister.