Sikh Members in RS demand arrest of Dera Sacha Sauda chief

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Expressing their outrage, Sikh Members in the Rajya Sabha today demanded that the Centre take immediate steps to arrest Dera Sacha Sauda chief Sant Gurmeet Ram Singh who allegedly imitated Guru Gobind Singh, evoking widespread indignation and protests, leading to violent clashes in Bhatinda town of Punjab.

They said the action of the Dera chief had greatly hurt the feelings of Sikhs all over the world, and it was the Government's responsibility to stop such attacks on the religious identity of the community.

Their feelings were shared by the BJP, the Samajwadi Party and other opposition parties, Responding to the Members demand, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said he was in touch with the state government concerned and assured them of all help from the Centre to deal with the situation.

He said he respected the feelings of the House and agreed with them that the situation should not be allowed to threaten the peace and unity of the country. He appealed to all concerned to maintain peace.

The Sikh Members said it was time for action and not for appeals.

Mr Patil said the matter was in the domain of the state government, so the Centre could only send help if needed.

''If we remove the government, neither you nor the people will like it,'' he added.

At this, Sikh Members said the Punjab Government could not take any action against the culprits without the help of the Haryana Government.

The Home Minister said he had spoken to all the state governments concerned.

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