Keeping in view the sanctity of Shaheedi Jor Mela, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday appealed to all political parties not to hold any political conferences during the event.

 “Neither the Congress party nor the State Government would organise any public function during this solemn occasion at Fatehgarh Sahib,” he said.

The appeal by Capt Amarinder came in view of the martyrdom day of Baba Zorawar Singh, and Baba Fateh Singh — the younger Sahibzadas of Sikhs’ tenth master Guru Gobind Singh, and his mother Mata Gujari, which should be observed with utmost reverence, said a spokesperson of the Chief Minister Office.

Chief Minister felt that since it was a solemn occasion, it should not be used by vested interests as a platform to gain political mileage, said the spokesperson.

The Shaheedi Jor Mel in Fatehgarh Sahib has been held since time immemorial as a mark of respect to eulogize the supreme sacrifice of the sons and mother of the tenth Sikh Guru. However, the people of Punjab felt that it was increasingly becoming a forum for political parties to score brownie points, said the Chief Minister.

Capt Amarinder also appealed to the people, especially political leaders, to offer their tributes to the great martyrs as humble devotees and pay obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib instead of holding political conferences or rallies.

Notably, the decision was in line with various path-breaking initiatives taken by Capt Amarinder during his earlier tenure as Chief Minister to restore the sanctity of Shaheedi Jor Mela at Fatehgarh Sahib.

These had included simplification of langar, banning of sweets, prohibition of entertainment or amusement games, gambling etc. Punjab Government, led by Capt Amarinder, did not hold state level public function last year.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also directed the DGP to take all necessary steps to ensure that law and order is maintained during the three-day Shaheedi Sabha to be held from December 26 to 28 to enable the millions of devotees, who are expected to converge at Fatehgarh Sahib not only from the country but from across the globe, to offer their prayers in a hassle-free manner.