Shaheedi Jor Mela begins in Fatehgarh Sahib today

Our Correspondent
Fatehgarh Sahib, Dec 24

The district police have issued traffic guidelines and the route plan for the traffic passing through Fatehgarh Sahib, especially on roads leading to the historical gurdwara at Fatehgarh Sahib, keeping in view the heavy rush of devotees during the ensuing three-day annual Shaheedi Jor Mela.

Also read: Holiday in Fatehgarh Sahib for nagar kirtan to mark martyrdom of Sahibzadas on Dec 27

It is commemorated from December 25 to 27 in memory of younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh — Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, who were bricked alive here for refusing to accept Islam by the then governor of Sirhind Nawab Wazir Khan.

Addressing mediapersons here, SSP Sandeep Goel said, “The Jor Mela area has been divided into sectors and each sector will be headed by an SP-rank officer. No heavy traffic will be allowed to enter the mela area. To maintain the smooth flow of traffic, nine diversions and alternative routes have been identified and a traffic plan has been released.” No vehicle entry and VIP passes will be issued and the local residents who reside in the localities surrounding the historical gurdwara will be allowed to move in vehicles, he said. “Adequate security arrangements have been made, CCTV cameras have been installed to keep a close watch on anti-social elements, and 54 nakas, 13 observation posts and seven police help centres have been set up,” the SSP said.

He said that 10 SPs and 2,700 police personnel and officers along with NSS, NCC volunteers had been put on duty. Twenty free parking sites and three temporary bus stands have been made. No beggar will be allowed in the mela, he further added.

Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur said the major event of the district, annual Saheedi Jor Mela would be totally religious in nature. All wine shops, gambling stalls, dance pandals, circuses, swings and other sources of entertainment within the 3km radius of Gurdwara Sahib has been banned and there will be no political conferences, she said.

The DC said that carrying of weapons, sharp-edged weapons and playing loud speakers had been banned. She said that medical facilities, 24-hour power supply, clean drinking water, 300 temporary toilets, 15 mobile toilets and temporary shelter facilities would be provided.