PM's intervention sought to resolve Dera Sacha Sauda controversy

New Delhi, May 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention has been sought to resolve the controversy surrounding the Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Akal Takht to save the explosive situation in Punjab and to ensure peace and national integration.

In a letter written to Dr Singh, Swami Agnivesh, who led a delegation of four eminent religious leaders to Punjab in an effort to resolve the grave situation, said, ''We request you (PM) that it is high time that you intervene in the matter immediately to save the explosive situation.'' Pointing out that in view of the ''uncalled for actions'' on the part of Dera Chief, the Akal Takht has issued hukumnama deciding to close deras in Punjab by May 27 and take out a Peace March on May 31, Mr Agnivesh said that the Dera Chief had not yet sent a simple apology.

Stating that any loss of time would be at the cost of peace in India in general and Punjab in particular, he said ''We again request to you to intervene in the matter immediately in the interest of peace and national integration.'' Mr Agnivesh had gone to Punjab following a meeting of all religious representatives held in Delhi on May 21 in which a unanimous decision was taken to seek an unconditional apology from the Dera Chief. The delegation of Maulana Jamil Ilyasi Ahmad, Father Dominique Emmanual, Jain Muni Lok Prakash Lokesh and Agnivesh had met Dera Chief on May 22 and tried to convince him for more than ten hours to cooperate with the peace efforts.

They had assured the Dera Chief that if he tendered an apology, no subsequent action would be taken by the Sikh community. Swami Agnivesh said Punjab Chief Minister and religious leaders of Sikh community had flexible attitude and assured fullest cooperation in the peace efforts while that of Dera Chief was one of dilatory tactics which had resulted in the situation turning grave.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today advanced to May 28 the hearing of a petition seeking protection to the properties of the Dera Sacha Sauda and its followers all across the country in view of an ultimatum issued by the Akal Takht.

UNI