A complete bandh observed in Punjab

Chandigarh, May 22 (UNI) A complete bandh was observed in Punjab today to protest against Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's alleged attempt to project himself as Guru Gobind Singh.

Barring stray incidents, the 'bandh', called by Akal Takht, was peaceful so far. There was no report of any untoward incident received from anywhere from the state so far, official sources said.

Glass shutters of some shops were broken when a group of motorcycle-borne youths forced closure of shops in Fazilka town.

They attacked a liquor shop and broke few liquor bottles.

About 200 followers and activisits of various Sikh religious organisations assembled at Gurdwara Bibi Kahan Kaur in Moga and later took out silent peace march in the town. They staged a 'dharna' at the railway station, but when a train arrived they lifted the blockade.

Sikhs took out peace processions in different parts of Jalandhar city, singing 'sabad kirtan' and distributing sweet water. However, some sikh activists burnt the effigy of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and shouted slogans like 'Raj Karega Khalsa' near Central Town Gurudwara there.

A religious procession was taken out in Amritsar whereby the Sikhs thanked people for participating in the bandh.

About 25 members of 'Panthic' organisations were taken into custody by the police when they tried to stage a 'dharna' at Rampura Phul town, a report from Bathinda said. Among them was the head of a gurdwara in Rampra Phul.

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