Ram Rahim guilty: Complete mayhem in Haryana, Punjab; governments are to blame

Haryana and Punjab are witnessing absolute break down of law and order with Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's followers indulging in arson and attacks. Public property is being set ablaze in both states and media and security personnel are being attacked by Dera followers. Friday's riots are the result of cumulative failure on part of the both, Manohar Lal Khattar and Capt Amarinder Singh's, governments.

Had the state governments acted appropriately and taken due precautions, the riots could have been stopped. Even as media vans were vandalised, vehicles and officers were set ablaze, clashes were witnessed in various places in Punjab and Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar kept mum while Capt Amarinder refused to acknowledge that violence had even taken place in Punjab.

As reports of violence emerged from various places, citizens and politicians alike demanded that the two state governments take responsibility for what was happening on the ground. Many sought for the resignation of the Cheif Ministers. Despite understanding the consequences, both governments refused to take action in time. Section 144 was not imposed in advance In Haryana. The Punjab government did not bother stopping hoards of Dera supporters from moving towards Panchkula.

Citizens have demanded that the Chief ministers of both states resign over their handling of the situation. What is worse is the fact that the Punjab and Haryana government allowed such mayhem to take place despite being fully aware of what to expect if the verdict was to go against Ram Rahim.

The number of casualties is steadily rising with hundreds of people sustaining injuries. Hospitals in and around Panchkula are overflowing with people being rushed for emergency aide. Security personnel, journalists, residents of Panchkula and supporters of Ram Rahim have been injured in the violent clashes. Why did both government fail to ensure the safety of its citizens despite being aware of what to expect from Dera followers? Can they governments brush aside their criminal negligence that led to the violence in both states over a rapist?

OneIndia News