Dera chief agrees to peace proposal

Sirsa, Jun 22 (UNI) In order to avoid confrontation with Sikh organsations, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh today agreed to a proposal to confine the sect's prayer sessions to the homes of his followers in certain sensitive areas in the district.

The Dera chief gave this commitment to the members of a Peace Committee formed by the district authorities in view of the growing tension in some villages of the district following strong opposition of 'Nam Charcha' (prayer) sessions held at various Sacha Sauda centres.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (Security) K K Mishra visited the Sacha Sauda Dera to assess the situation in the wake of the recent non-bailable arrest warrant given by a Punjab court against the Dera chief.

The members of the Peace committee met the Dera chief today and also held deliberations with a 25-member Dera committee to devise ways and means to defuse tension between the two parties.

The Dera chief then directed his followers to confine the prayer sessions to their homes in the sensitive areas.

Security was tightened in the Sirsa district, with the arrival of two more contingents of the CRPF. Two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were already deployed in the district.

A flag march was also conducted in the city by the personnel of the BSF, RAF and the Haryana Armed Police to instil confidence among the residents.

UNI