SGPC for strigent laws to check blasphmeous religious acts

Fatehgarh Sahib, May 31 (UNI) The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandik Committee (SGPC) today launched its agitation against the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda by demanding that stringent laws be framed to check blasphmeous acts against any religion.

"As section 295 A of the IPC attracts mild punishment, therefore provision for stringent punishments be made in law so that no one should dare in future to play with the religious sentiments of other communities", identical copies of the memorandum submitted to the representatives of the Governors of Punjab and Haryana by the SGPC here stated.

A copy of the memorandum highlighting the 'anti Sikh and anti religious activities of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh was also faxed to the President of India.

The memorandum to the Governors of the two states was submitted by SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar here, after taking part in an anti-Sacha Sauda religious march. Senior leaders of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) including its acting chief Sukhbir Singh Badal.

The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti and heads of other Takhts were also present at Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup where a religious function was held. Earlier an anti-Sacha Sauda one km long march was organised from Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara to Jyoti Sarup.

Alleging blasphemous imitation of Guru Gobind Singh and Sikh tenets by Ram Raheem the SGPC pointed out that such an offence is merely chargeable under Section 295 A of the IPC. The punishment under this section for such a "serious offence" was too mild, the memorandum claimed.

The SGPC further demanded the Dera chief should be prohibited from 'misusing' religious symbols or misrepresentating and distorting scriptures of other religions including Sikhism.

"Furthermore, he should be forbidden the use of prefix ''Sacha Sauda'' a term which has noble and sacred association with Guru Nanak", the memorandum stated. Blasphmeous interpretation of religions endangers the peace and prosperity of India.

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