|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
By Category |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
India On Media |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Others
News |
|
| High alert in Punjab, CM calls meet |
| Following days of violence, the Dera Sacha Sauda has called for President's rule in Punjab.
|
| INDIA
, 18-May-2007
1:51:39 AM |
| Punjab is on high alert after days of protests and clashes over a newspaper ad showing the Dera Sacha Sauda leader dressed like Guru Gobind Singh.
There is huge security across Punjab and neighbouring Haryana where thousands of Dera followers have gathered.
Following days of violence, the Dera Sacha Sauda has called for President's rule in Punjab.
The sect has refused to apologise to the Akal Takht but said they will not take part in violent protests.
Sikh protesters in Ludhiana meanwhile, have forced shopkeepers and business establishments to shut down.
The Prime Minister Office and the Home Ministry are closely monitoring the situation. Central paramilitary forces have also been deployed.
Diffusing the situation
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called an all party meeting later today.
The Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the highest decision making body of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will also meet under the chairmanship of Badal in the afternoon.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in the state assembly Rajinder Kaur Bhattal convened a meeting of party MLAs . Bhattal claimed that her party's first priority is to diffuse the present situation.
''We will participate in the all-party meeting and take all necessary steps to diffuse the situation in the violence-ravaged state,'' she told reporters.
The Haryana police meanwhile have sealed the state's border at Dabwali to prevent Dera supporters from going over to Punjab.
But many Dera supporters demonstrated at Sirsa, shouting slogans against the Punjab government.
Calls for boycott
After the tension and massive protests in Punjab, leaders of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect said they are open to talks with the state government.
A major clash was averted late on Thursday night after thousands of people marching to the Dera ashram in Salabatpur near Bathinda were stopped and dispersed by the police.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVERTISEMENTS
Free offer!!! Become an administrator for your zip home page, "Post" local news (local to your postcode)& pictures, "Post" advertisement banners from local companies. Make Extra money.
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
