Religious leaders seek time from AkalTakht for Sacha Sauda apology

New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) Religious leaders have sought more time from the Akal Takht on the Sikh community's demand for an apology from Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh, social activist Swami Agnivesh said today.

''The deadline given by the Akal Takht expires tomorrow. We have apealed for some more time from them,'' he told reporters on the margins of a seminar on terrorism, organised by the Jama Masjid United Forum (JMUF).

''Both Akal Takht and Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal want the matter to be solved as soon as possible,'' he added.

''I had a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda also. Despite being in the rival political party, he has extended all his support for resolving the issue and restoring normalcy as soon as possible,'' Swami Agnivesh added.

''I had consultations with Dera Sacha Suada Chief also.

He is still thinking over the two-line apology statement and needs time to consult his followers, '' he said ''Our efforts are continuing. We are hopeful some solution will be found soon, '' he added.

A sectarian row was sparked last week after the publication of an advertisement in which Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh was shown in a dress similar to that of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.

The Sikh body has since been demanding that the Dera shut all of its camps in Punjab.

The dera chief has expressed regret, but Sikh leaders are not satisfied and want a public apology, which he has refused to give so far.

UNI