Punjab situation 'totally under control,' says Badal

Chandigarh, May 18 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today claimed that the law and order situation in the state was ''totally under control'' and 20 companies of paramilitary forces had already arrived in the state in the wake of strife over the Sacha Sauda controversy.

Talking to reporters here, he said despite the great provocation by Dera Sacha Sauda chief emulating Guru Gobind Singh, the people of Punjab had reacted with restraint and the situation was ''totally under control.'' Asked about the action to be taken by the government, he said the report of the probe being conducted by IG N K Tiwari would come in a day or two and the action would be decided thereafter.

The Chief Minister said the government would bear the expenses for the treatment of those injured in the recent clashes and also provide compensation for any damage to property.

To a query, he said he had not received any offer for dialogue from Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh to resolve the crisis.

Asked whether he was in favour of an apology from the Sacha Sauda chief, Mr Badal said, ''If that satisfies the people, it should come forth.'' He denied that the government was indulging in 'vendetta politics'' over the issue as alleged by the opposition Congress leaders.

Regarding reports of Khalistani elements leading the Sikh protesters at some places, he said the government was committed to preserve peace and communal harmony. ''If some people will try to exploit the situation, we will look into it.

UNI