NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, 21 May 2007 — With Punjab Police having registered a case against Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) head Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, Punjab government is confident that normalcy will return to the state. Over the past week, sectarian clashes between Sikhs and Dera followers have been spread across the state leading to one death and over a hundred injured. In addition to state police, more than 10,000 armed central police have been sent to Punjab and Haryana. The army has also been put on alert.
Normalcy in state was disturbed following publication of Dera leader’s photograph in newspapers across Punjab last Sunday. In the photograph, dressed as Sikh guru Gobind Singh, Dera leader was shown baptizing his followers. This angered Sikhs across Punjab.
Sectarian tension between followers of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee and DSS came to a flashpoint with thousands taking to roads. SGPC even gave Parkash Singh Badal government an ultimatum, demanding action for a public apology from Dera leader or else face the consequences. A case was registered yesterday against Dera leader at Kotwali police station in Bhatinda on a complaint filed by Rajinder Singh Sidhu, president of Khalsa Dewan and Guru Singh Sabha.
