Diplomat Desk
JAMMU: DD, The All Jammu & Kashmir Guru Ravidass Sabha (GRDS) has resolved an eight-year-long dispute during a General Body Meeting held on December 29, where both disputed parties were ousted in accordance with Rule 9 of the Sabha constitution.
During a press briefing organized to celebrate Lohari Milan, the Executive Body and Branch Heads of All J&K GRDS announced that the Ravidassia community, comprising over 400,000 members in J&K, had taken decisive action to end the longstanding bipartite dispute. The General Body appointed an adhoc committee to organize upcoming religious events, including the Shoba Yatra on February 9 and the Parkash Divas celebrations of Guru Ravidass ji Maharaj on February 12.
The spokesperson, Prof. Shivgotra, addressed concerns about rumors circulating regarding the ousted president, Piran Ditta, potentially taking possession of Sabha property through civil and police administration. He clarified that neither the General Ijlas nor the present adhoc committee is under judicial review, and the 2019 court order cited by some parties does not apply to the current settlement.
Historical context reveals that previous attempts to resolve the dispute through elections were unsuccessful. In 2017, despite the 1st Additional District Judge constituting an Election Board under Sh. Gopal Dass Dogra’s chairmanship, the process was reportedly sabotaged. The Divisional Commissioner Jammu documented this failure in a memorandum dated December 16, 2017, citing non-cooperation from the then-president in providing necessary electoral materials and facilities.
The adhoc committee concluded by expressing gratitude to the media and civil/police administration for their support in maintaining the Sabha’s constitutional position.DD
