Siege over, Talhan tells two stories

Talhan heaved a sigh of relief when the 200-strong congregation led by 30 members of the feared Damdami Taksal vacated the disputed shrine t...

Talhan heaved a sigh of relief when the 200-strong congregation led by 30 members of the feared Damdami Taksal vacated the disputed shrine this evening, ending their nearly 24-hour-long siege against the entry of police who had surrounded the gurdwara last night.

Taksal members raised slogans as they left, saying their demands, which included removal of the receiver appointed by the government, had been met even as the administration claimed that it had not buckled under pressure.

Trouble began last evening when the congregation, including women, entered the gurdwara in protest against its takeover.

When the situation threatened to get out of control, the administration rushed in additional forces. But the women inside threatened to immolate themselves if police dared to enter.

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The situation was brought under control with the intervention of Ajaib Singh of Damdami Taksal, Manjit Singh of Sikh Students’ Federation, and Harminder Singh Gill of Sarav Hind Sikh Students’ Federation, who reportedly mediated at the behest of the Chief Minister. Gill said the people agreed to vacate the shrine after the three-point assurance that the receiver would be removed, the gurdwara management committee would be reconstituted, and a decision would be taken on including Dalits on the board.

Balwinder Singh, a paathi, revealed that the administration had promised to set up a new committee with six Jats and two members each from the Dalits and the Damdami Taksal. He said they were also assured that Taksal members of the peace panel arrested yesterday would be freed. However, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ashok Gupta maintained the administration had not given any such assurances. He added that the gurdwara will be run by the maryada committee, formed yesterday.

Meanwhile, Democratic Akali Party chief K.S. Wadala said they would protest against the receiver’s appointment outside the DC’s office tomorrow.