BJP expresses concern over Punjab clashes, Hyderabad blasts

New Delhi, May 18 (UNI) Expressing concern over clashes between Sikh organisations and followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda in Punjab, the BJP today said all efforts should be made to establish peace.

BJP President Rajnath Singh spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal twice, yesterday and today, to express his concern and urged him to take all necessary steps to restore normalcy.

Addressing mediapersons, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said that the BJP did not approve either hurting religious sentiments or the violence. "The first priority at this moment is to control the situation and establish peace and tranquility in the state,'' he said.

He said the BJP President was confident that peace in Punjab would be restored and people's sentiments assuaged soon.

The BJP state unit also met Mr Badal and appealed him to expose the forces behind the disturbances.

The party, meanwhile, also expressed concern at the two bomb blasts in Hyderabad, near Charminar, where Friday prayers were to take place.

Demanding an inquiry into the blasts, the party stressed the need to expose those behind the incident which aimed at disturbing the communal harmony.

UNI