Alert in Ganganagar for possible Dera-Sikh row

Sriganganagar, Aug 18 (UNI) Security has been beefed up in Budharwali village in Ganganagar district as a precautionary measure to thwart any clashes between Dera Sacha followers and Sikhs who will assemble for a congregation.

Heavy police force has been deployed on all roads leading to the village and people are being allowed only after a thorough security check. The state's borders with Haryana and Punjab have already been sealed.

Even after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's programme of coming to Budharwali village was cancelled and the Dera Satsang held every third Sunday in a month stopped, at least 1,000 Dera followers are still camping there.

Meanwhile, Sikhs have started congregating in the village and over 2,000 Sikhs are camping in the Gurudwara.

Sikh advisory committee's Sardul Singh Gill said Akhand Path is on in the gurudwara and many important Sikh leaders including Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandakh Committee president Avtar Singh Makkar and other religious leaders would be present at the congregation.

Many administrative and police officials including superintendents of police, have been deputed in Bikaner division.

SP, Bikaner Vinita Thakur said those who try to disrupt law and order would be dealt with iron hand.

UNI