BJP to take 'hard decision' if Badal govt fails to keep peace

Chandigarh, May 21 (UNI) Even as Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal made an appeal to all political parties to maintain peace and harmony during the state wide 'bandh' tomorrow, the BJP warned that ''if anything goes wrong tomorrow it would not hesitate to take hard decisions''.

''It is the primary duty of the government to maintain law and order, peace and brotherhood and to safeguard the life and property of its citizens'', a statement issued by the state BJP headquarters here today stated.

''If anything goes wrong in any part of the state, the government headed by Mr Badal shall be solely responsible and answerable and the BJP will not hesitate in taking hard decisions in the larger interest of the people of Punjab'', the statement issued after an emergent meeting of the party's office bearers stated.

The meeting was chaired by state party chief Rajinder Bhandari and it took stock of the prevailing situation in the state following clashes between Dera Sacha Sauda supporters and members of various Sikh religious organisations.

The 'bandh' tomorrow has been called by the Sikh clergy to protest against the alleged anti-Sikh activists of Dera head Baba Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh.

Mr Badal had, at a media conference earlier in the day, called upon all political parties, particularly the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to assist the state government in maintaining peace and communal harmony in the state during the 'bandh'. The CM had clearly stated that violence during the 'bandh' would not be tolerated.

Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vidanti too had made an appeal to shun violence during the 'bandh' and to maintain peace.

The SAD and the opposition Congress state president Shamsher Singh Dullo have too appealed for peace and harmony during the 'bandh'.

The BJP while discussing the situation in the state at its meeting observed that the turn of events during the past a few days had created widespread apprehensions in the minds of the people of Punjab. '' At this crucial moment an ordinary Punjab wants from the core of his heart that the black days, witnessed by the state, during 80's and early 90's should not be repeated at any cost'', the statement added.

Expressing concern over the present situation, the BJP assured that the party was fully committed to maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood amongst the people of Punjab at all costs and will not shirk from its responsibility.

UNI