Badal sees hope in Sikh-Sacha Sauda controversy

Chandigarh, May 24: Reiterating that the priority of his Government was to restore peace in Punjab, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal hinted that a solution was in sight to end the Sacha Sauda-Sikh controversy that had led to protests, violence and a 'bandh'.

"We are putting in all our efforts to restore normalcy and so is the Sarv Dharam (all religion) delegation and we are hopeful of a solution", he said after presiding over a meeting of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MPs, MLAs and office bearers here today.

Mr Badal who seemed relaxed and confident, admitted that members of the 'Sarv Dharam' delegation were in touch with him on telephone. He however refused to disclose the nature of discussions while appreciating the efforts of the delegation which comprises Swami Agnivesh, Jain Muni, Lokesh Parkash, Maulana Jamal Ahmed Ilyasi and Father Phillip.

The delegation had held lengthy discussions with Sacha Sauda head Baba Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh at Sirsa on Tuesday night and had left for New Delhi yesterday. The delegation after a final word from the Sacha Sauda 'dera' is likely to discuss the issue with the Akal Takht that has demanded a public apology from Ram Raheem for imitating Guru Gobind Singh during a ceremony.

"We are trying on all fronts to restore peace", the Chief Minister in the presence of his senior party leaders said at a media conference.

Asked to comment on Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandik Committee (SGPC) chief Avtar Singh Makkars' statement accusing the Congress and its president Sonia Gandhi of 'engineering' the Sikh-Sacha Sauda controversy, Mr Badal quipped, " We do not want to generate any controversy. We are seeking help from all to end the current stalemate".

Regarding the stand of the Akal Takht demanding an apology from the Sacha Sauda head, the Chief Minister said " You know our stand, we only want peace".

Asked about the May 27 deadline set by the Akal Takht for the closure of all Sacha Sauda 'deras' in Punjab, Mr Badal sought to remind the media that this direction had not come from the government. " No one will be allowed to disturb the law and order sitation in the state, led their be no apprehensions as peace is our priority", he added.

Ruling out the return of militancy in the state, he maintained that such opinions were coming from those who do not want peace and normalcy in the state.

At the meeting the Chief Minister who is also the SAD president directed his partymen to assist the government in maintaining peace and communal harmony. The meeting passed a resolution appreciating the role of the public and all religious and social organisations in organising a peaceful 'bandh' in Punjab on Tuesday.

The meeting also praised the role of the government, the administration and the police in maintaining a peaceful atmopshere in Punjab despite all provocation.

UNI