Congress takes objection to Badal's view on Dera-Sikh clashes

New Delhi, May 19 (UNI)The ruling Congress today took serious objection to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's statements accusing the party of lending support to the Dera Sacha Sauda Chief for his 'anti-Sikh act' which prompted clash between the Sikhs and Dera followers.

The Party' Coordination Committee on Punjab, constituted by president Sonia Gandhi met here today to review the prevailing situation in the state following a series of violent clashes between the Sikh community and sect followers at various places.

The meeting took a serious note of Mr Badal's "critical statements in the past few days attempting to blame the Congress for the impasse in the state". And, it sought to remind the Chief MInister that 'maintaining law and order is essentially the responsibility of the state government".

However, the Congress has lent a full support to the Punjab government in its efforts to restore peace and harmonmy in the state.

Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi, who is the party's incharge for Punjab affairs said" Congress respects all religions and faiths and resolved that it would not allow Punjab to be divided on sectarian lines".

Expressing concern over the unfortuante situation that has arisen in the state in past few days , the Congress scruplously avoided to openly criticise the Dera Chief but mildly added that " such activity that hurts the religious sentiments of any section of the society should be avoided".

The Congress also appealed the people to maintain peace and social harmony.

The party's high powered committee will hold its next meeting in Chandigarh soon. UNI