Sikhs to boycott Ganganagar Panchayat head

Sriganganagar, May 16 (UNI) The Sikh community today decided on a social boycott of Ganganagar Panchayat Samiti head, Harbhagwan Singh Barar, suspecting his role in the clashes between Sikhs and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda.

At a meeting held today, Sikhs also demanded that a case be lodged against Barar regarding his role in the clashes yesterday which left more than 30 injured.

According to sources, the Sikh community also expressed concern over the adminstration's role. They have also decided to take out a protest march soon.

Prohibitory orders imposed in the area surrounding Collectorate will be on May 19.

Meanwhile, at least 1500 Dera Sacha Sauda followers gathered at Hanumangarh today and possible tension was diffused following intervention by administrative officials.

30 people were injured here yesterday following violent clashes between Sikhs and Dera Saccha Sauda followers.

The police had to burst teargas shells and baton-charge the agitated crowd which started stone-pelting and lathicharged at each other.

Tension erupted after a controversial advertisement carrying a picture of Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh alias Premiji donning 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh's attire appeared in Bhatinda, enraging the Sikhs.

UNI