Security blank over Punjab, as Akal Takht appeals for peace

Sangrur, May 27 (UNI) The security forces in Punjab and adjoining Haryana are on high alert after the deadline set by the Akal Takht for closure of all Sacha Sauda 'deras' in Punjab ended today and the Sikh clergy reiterating that the Dera head Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh would have to tender an 'unqualified apology' to end the crisis that led to violence.

" We will wait till midnight and thereafter decide accordingly" Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti said while talking to UNI here and asking the Sikhs to show restrain and remain peaceful.

Asked about the May 31 extension sought by the 'Sarv Dharam' (all religion) delegation for ending the Sikh-Sacha Sauda deadlock, the Jathedar pointed out "there is still time". He indicated that if a peace proposal comes before the Akal Takht it would be considered at a meeting of the Five Sikh High priests.

The Akal Takht had rejected the 'regret' offered by Ram Raheem for imitating Guru Gobind Singh during a ceremony at Salabatpur in Bathinda district early this month. This 'act' had led to clashes between Sacha Sauda supporters and members of various Sikh religious organisations at Bathinda on May 14 and later on May 22 a 'bandh' was observed on the directions of the Akal Takht to demand the arrest of the Dera chief.

A police spokesman at Chandigarh said that the state police force and para military force (PMF) personnel were on high alert in Punjab, particularly in the Malwa belt which has a sizeable number of Sacha Sauda followers. PMF personnel conducted flag marches at Amritsar, Sangrur, Bathinda, Moga, Manda, Muktsar and a few other places in the state.

The spokesman said that the Salbatapura 'dera' which is the main Sacha Sauda center in Punjab had virtually been cordoned off with the security force personnel setting up barriaces all around the 'dera. There are believed to be around 2000 odd Sacha Sauda members inside the dera'.

Likewise adequate security arrangements had also been made at all other 'deras' of the Sacha Sauda in the state and important functionaries of the Dera had been provided security at their homes.

The security at important gurdwaras in the state including the Golden Temple had been further strenghthened.

The police in certain parts of the Malwa belt had confiscated a large number of weapons as a precautionary measure. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and DGP N P S Aulakh are constantly monitoring the situation. Around 90,000 security force personnel are on duty to maintain peace and communal harmony.

According to a report from Sirsa, the security at the Dera headquarter had also been strengthened in view of the deadline.

District administration officials reviewed the security arrangments at the 'dera' where a large number of people had gathered.

MORE UNI