All religion delegation begins peace talks with Akal Takht

Amritsar, May 29 (UNI) The Sarv Dharam Sansad (All religion delegation) which is striving to bring about a reapproachment between the Sikh community and the Sacha Sauda commenced its meeting with the Sikh High Priests at the Akal Takht this afternoon.

The meeting with the clergy follows their meeting with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandik Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh Makkar in the morning.

The five member High Priests panel consists of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti, Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Takht Keshgarh Sahib Jathedar Tirlochan Singh, Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Iqbal Singh and Takht Nanded Sahib Acting Jathedar Jyotinder Singh.

The delegation is expected to impress upon Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti to accept the apology tendered by the Dera for having hurt Sikh sentiments by its blasphemous imitation of Guru Gobind Singh.

Following the rejection of the apology by radical Sikh groups and the head of one of the Sikh Takhts yesterday, the Sarv Dharam Sansad had appealed to the Akal Takht to accept the 'mafinama' (apology) despite the fact that its tone was "not graceful".

" The tone and tenor of the apology does not seem to be graceful and yet in the larger interest of peace in the country and religious tolerance it becomes imperative to be magnanimous and to overlook certain shortcomings", a statement issued by the Sarv Dharam Sansad had stated.

The all religion delegation comprising of Swami Agnivesh, Father Domince Emanuel, Jain Sadhvi Aruna and Maulana Jameel Ilyasi Ahmed had reached here late last night. Jain Sadhvi Aruna joined the delegation at New Delhi yesterday in place of Jain Muni, who could not come due to certain pre-occuptaions.

Prior to their meeting with the SGPC chief and the clergy, Maulana Jameel offered prayers at a local mosque, while Father Domince prayed at a church. Both prayed for the return of peace and communal harmony in the region, particularly Punjab.

The clergy will also be holding discussions with heads of various Sikh religious and social organisations after a meeting with the all religion delegation.

Refering to the meeting with the SGPC chief, Swami Agnivesh expressed satisfaction and claimed that it was held on a "positive note". According to the Swami, Jathedar Makkar told them that the Five Sikh High Priests had to decide on the Sacha Sauda apology and it was the duty of the SGPC to implement the decision of the Akal Takht.

(Eds here picking up from ch 2 ) UNI