Security forces fan out in Punjab to maintain peace

Chandigarh, May 21 (UNI) Even as Punjab remained free from violence today, the state police assisted by the para military forces (PMF) today fanned out throughout the border state in the wake of the 'bandh' call given for tomorrow by the Sikh clergy to protest against the alleged anti-Sikh activities of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has warned of stern action against anyone indulging in unlawful actvities and trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the state.

''No one will be allowed to incite communal feelings and perpetuate violence, the government will maintain peace and harmony at all costs'', Mr Badal said while addressing a media conference here.

He maintained that the Punjab Police and the Para Military Forces (PMF) deployed in the state were in a state of readiness to deal with any uneventualities. He in fact discussed the law and order situation in the state with the Chief Secretary and the state Director General of Police (DGP) and also briefed Governor Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues.

The day long 'bandh' call was given yesterday by the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti to protest against the anti-Sikh activities of Dera Sacha Sauda head the Jathedar took this decision after holding a meeting at the Akal Takht with the Jathedars of other Takhts and heads of various Sikh religious and social organisations.

''Anyone, irrespective of his positions, found taking the law into his hands will be dealt with in a stern manner'', the Chief Minister stated.

The Chief Minister also appealed to all political parties, particularly to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its alliance the BJP to assist the government in maintaining peace and harmony. He said strict vigil was being kept over the situation in the state.

'' We will fulfill the duty of a government, to maintain peace'', he added while making it clear that action would be taken against anyone indulging in arson and violence.

Meanwhile the SAD and the opposition Congress too appealed to the people to maintain peace in the state tomorrow. However the BJP gave a stern warning to the state government that it would held responsible for any untoward incident in the state tomorrow and the party ''will not hesitate in taking hard decisions in the interests of the people of Punjab'' as to prevent the return of the ''dark days'' of the 1980's and early 1990's.

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