Govt assures action on Dera Sachcha Sauda

The government expressed serious concern on Thursday over the action of Dera Sachcha Sauda chief in Punjab and gave an assurance in the Lok Sabha that necessary steps would be taken in the case and help extended to the state government.

The assurance came from Home Minister Shivraj Patil after Akali Dal members supported by BJP raised a strong protest against the religious sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Sikhs by dressing up like Guru Gobind Singh.

Raising the issue, Akali Dal member RS Ajnala said a volatile situation prevailed in Punjab over the last three days due to the incident. The Sikhs had been insulted by the sect head, he said while demanding that the latter be arrested and a CBI enquiry ordered into the entire matter.

Heated exchanges broke out between the Akalis and the Congress members after he accused the party of reviving militancy in Punjab.

"We feel concerned.We are saddended at whatever has happened in Punjab. Nobody can support it," the Home Minister said in response to the Akali demands.

"We have great regard for the Sikh religion ... wisdom will prevail," he added while assuring members that whatever was legally possible would be done. He informed them he had spoken to the chief ministers of Punjab, Haryana and other states on the matter and appropriate action would taken against those who had "done any wrong".