Prohibitory orders in entire Ganganagar dist as tension prevails

Sriganganagar, May 17 (UNI) Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the entire Ganganagar district in view of the prevailing tension following violent clashes between Sikhs and Dera Sacha Sauda followers two days ago.

Security has been tightened in all Dera Sacha camps in the district and sepcial police team has been deployed at Dera chief Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh alias Premiji's village Gurusar Modia.

District Collector B S Detha said prohibitory orders was imposed in the entire district late last night after information about possible tension was received. Section 144 of CrPC prohibits assembling of more than five people at a place and also bans carrying arms.

He said the district administration is in constant touch with prominent leaders of both the sects. SP Vinita Thakur, who was in Hyderabad on official work, has been called back and reached Ganganagar late last night. Inspector General Laxman Meena and Divisional Commissioner Lalit Mehra are already in Ganganagar.

Security has been tightened in Dera camps after the report of Divisional Commissioner was sent to the state government. Suratgarh police station incharge Dalpat Singh Bhati said police is keeping a close watch on Premiji's village Gurusar Mordia including his relatives and the village hospital being run by Dera followers.

Sub Divisional officers and tehsildars have been asked not to leave the headquarters till further orders.

State agriculture minister Surendrapal Singh Titi have also reached Ganganagar and are talking with people of both sects.

Meanwhile, Srikaranpur Bar Association are on a one-day strike today to protest Dera chief's imitating 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.

Trouble arose in Bhatinda in Punjab on Monday after a controversial advertisement appeared in some newspapers, showing the Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh alias Premiji in the attire of Guru Gobind Singh.

At least 30 people were injured in the clashes between Dera followers and Sikhs here.

UNI