Congress asks judicial probe into Dera-Sikh issue

Chandigarh, June 28: The Congress today demanded a judicial inquiry into the Sikh-Dera Sacha Sauda issue and all cases of atrocities and harassement of Congress workers and supporters since the SAD-BJP assumed charge in March this year.

"We wanted to highlight all these issues in the Vidhan Sabha today and were not permitted by the Speaker", Leader of the Opposition Rajinder Kaur Bhattal said while addressing a media conference here, after the assembly had been adjourned by the Speaker for the rest of the day.

Refering to the rejection of the second apology letter of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh by the Akal Takht yesterday, she said that this decision could lead to a major law and order problem in the state. "We wanted to discuss this issue in the House but were disallowed", she said while describing the Speakers ruling as undemocratic.

Refering to the statement of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandik Committee (DSGMC) chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, she said that the fresh apology was drafted in consultation with the Khalsa Action Committee and Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vidanti was aware of the contents of the apology. Mr Sarna a member of the Committee is believed to have played a mediatory role between the Dera and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandik Committee (SGPC).

"What was the motive behind the rejection of the apology yesterday? " she asked while pointing out that they wanted this answer from the government on the floor of the House and had moved an adjournment motion on the law and order issue. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal should have been present in the House to answer this question, she said while refering to the absence of the CM from the assembly.

"The issue is of importance as the Akalis mix religion and politics together", she said while accusing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of "playing politics with the law and order problem in the state". Alleging that Dera supporters were being 'prosecuted' in Punjab, she said that it was a clear violation of the fundamental rights of Sacha Sauda followers.

Ms Bhattal, however, didn't comment on the social boycott call of Dera followers given by the Akal Takht last month. ''This is another issue, but it is the duty of the government to ensure the safety of its citizens'', she added. The Congress leader also avoided giving a direct reply on the orders passed by the state government to arrest the Dera head. '' Everyone's constitutional rights should be protected'', she said while opining that the government should have discussed the latest developments of the Dera issue with other political parties.

The Dera chief had apologised twice for having hurt Sikh's religious sentiments, she pointed out but refused to comment on the alleged blasphmeous act of the Dera head of imitating Guru Gobind Singh.

Regarding the alleged atrocities on Congress supporters, Ms Bhattal claimed that 121 cases had been registered against those who had opposed the SAD in the assembly polls. The Opposition had brought the matter to the notice of the government but had so far received no concrete assurance, she added.

UNI

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