Schools closed, prohibitory orders imposed in Bhatinda

Bhatinda, May 16 (UNI) Fearing more trouble in the district which has witnessed widespread clashes between Sikhs and Sacha Sauda followers, the authorities today ordered closure of all educational institutes for three days and imposed Section 144 of CrPC in the district.

In contrast to yesterday when protesters openly carried weapons to the dharna sites, the District Administration today opted for preventive measure and banned gathering of more then five persons with immediate effect.

Yesterday, the District Administration had brokered a compromise with Dera Sacha Sauda followers known as 'Premies' by accepting their demands and assuring them of ''no action'' against any violence caused by them.

However, the tension again gripped the district last night, with minor incident of clashes between the 'Premies' and Sikh activists.

In view of the meeting of various Sikh organisations at Takht Damdama Sahib over the Dera issue tomorrow, the police have put up check posts on all major roads.

Various heads of Sikhs organization came to town including Takhat Damdama Sahib Jather Giani Balwant Singh, Damadami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh Ji Bhindrawale, Bab Baljit Singh Daduwal, Baba Gurmel Singh Nanak Sar Wale and Bhai Jasvir Singh Rode, to assess the situation and discuss the issue at length before making any decision.

Talking to UNI here, Takhat Damdama Sahib, Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh said the Sikh leaders were not satisfied with the Dera Chief Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh's clarification.

Terming the incident as ''a challenge to Sikhs'', he said Sikh organisations would be taking a tough stand on the issue and stern action plans would be chalked out tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Dera Sacha Sauda would also be holding an emergency meeting at their Dera in bordering Sirsa district of Haryana.

UNI