The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Saturday, November 11, 2000,
Chandigarh, India

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Bibi takes part in nagar kirtan procession
From Tribune Reporters

AMRITSAR, Nov 10 — The SGPC chief, Bibi Jagir Kaur, today made her first public appearance at the Golden Temple after the Patiala Sessions Judge stayed her arrest till Monday. Bibi arrived at the information office of the Golden Temple at about 11.30 a.m. After exchanging greetings she proceeded to the temple to offer prayers.

Later, Bibi Jagir Kaur took part in the nagar kirtan procession which commenced from Akal Takht and passed through the main bazars of the city which were decorated. A number of voluntary organisations had put up langars throughout the route of the nagar kirtan.

A handful of her supporters from among the SGPC members were present including Mr Bakshish Singh Dhariwali, Mr Partap Singh Advocate, Mr Kashmir Singh Gandiwind, Mr Joga Singh Faguwala, Mr Fauja Singh Patti, Mr Harsurinder Singh Gill, Mr Jang Bahadur Singh Rai and Bibi Devinder Kaur.

After spending over two hours at the temple complex, Bibi Jagir Kaur, escorted by the Secretary, SGPC, Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan and SGPC staff, greeted the sangat which had gathered in large numbers on the occasion of Gurpurb.

Later, talking to newspersons Bibi Jagir Kaur said that she may serve the committee again as its president.

She, however, made it clear that the final decision in this regard would be taken by the SAD President and Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal and the SGPC members. The SAD has absolute majority in the 185-member SGPC.

This was first time in recent past that Bibi Jagir Kaur came to the Golden Temple to pay obeisance and participate in the procession in connection with tomorrow’s birthday celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, after she was granted a stay of her arrest.

Bibi Jagir Kaur said that her political opponents had tormented her soul. However, she would be ready to oblige the party directive with the affection of sangat and ardas of her well wishers, Bibi added.

Replying to a question for her long absence from the SGPC, Bibi Jagir Kaur said that she was ‘busy with her family affairs’.

Lashing out at her opponents she said they had lost sight of the human values for political gains, instead of sharing her personal grief and deaths in the family.

Commenting on the CBI case registered against her regarding the death of her daughter Harpreet Kaur, Bibi said, “let the law take its own course”.

“I have full faith that the law will prove my innocence”.

Replying to another question she justified the SGPC stand in not sending Sikh jatha to Pakistan. “It is a matter of principle and SGPC is abiding by the Sikh Gurdwara Act (1920).”

She characterised as baseless allegations that precious stones and other valuables were missing from the Golden Temple complex. “Nothing is missing from the treasury”, she asserted.

Mr Puran Singh Josh, a member of the SGPC, talking to reporters separately said that he would strongly oppose any move of nominating Bibi Jagir Kaur to again head the body in the general session (of SGPC) to be held on November 30.

“She would have to clear herself from the CBI probe first before heading this religious organisation”, said Mr Josh, “In fact she should have resigned from the post after the registration of the case to prove herself innocent.”

BATALA: A religious procession was taken out on Friday to commemorate the birth anniveresary of Guru Nanak Dev. School children led the beautifully decorated palki carrying Guru Granth Sahib followed by a large number of devotees.

The procession passed through Shukerpura, Maan Nagar, Dera Road, Gandhi Chowk and terminated at Gurdwara Guru Teg Bahadur, Simble from where it had earlier started. A large number of villagers from nearby villages had participated in the procession on their tractor-trolleys.

SAMANA: A colourful procession was taken out through various bazars of the city on the eve of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev here on Friday. Various social and religious organisations participated in the procession. Residents distributed sweets and fruits among the participants.

Mr Joginder Singh Panjrath, Executive Member, SGPC, exhorted people to follow the path of secularism shown by Guru Nanak Dev. The nagar kirtan was led by ‘Panj Piaras’.

SANGRUR: A colourful nagar kirtan procession was taken out to mark the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev here on Friday. The nagar kirtan led by ‘Panj Piaras’ (five beloved ones) started from the local Singh Sabha Gurdwara and passed through the main bazar and other localities of the town.