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Sikhs protest in Sirsa, security forces on alert
A large number of Sikhs staged a road blockade in Sirsa district in protest against the killing of their community member in firing by the bodyguard of Dera Sacha Sauda chief.
A large number of Sikhs on Saturday staged a road blockade in Sirsa district in protest against the killing of their community member in firing by the bodyguard of Dera Sacha Sauda chief even as the security personnel were put on an alert in Punjab and Haryana.
Four clergy men - Baljit Singh Dadoo, Gurmeet Singh Tilokewala, Sher Singh Mallewala and Prakash Singh Sahuwala - along with large number of Sikhs blocked the National Highway No 10 at village Sahuwala (about 20 kilometres from district headquarter) on Saturday morning.
The protesters were demanding the immediate arrest of the Dera Head Ram Rahim Singh and were shouting anti Dera Sacha Sauda slogans.
The district administration immediately deployed two companies of the Haryana Armed constabulary at all sensitive places in the district especially in the Kalanwali and Dabwali areas.
The blockade was lifted after the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent Police V Venkataramana reached the spot and pacified the protestors, who demanded the immediate withdrawal of the 'Z' security provided to the Dera chief and his arrest.
Punjab Police chief NPS Aulakh has directed the district police chiefs in the state to take precautionary steps, including deployment of additional police personnel to maintain law and order.
Patrolling by the security personnel in the two states has also been ordered, official sources said, adding the situation was under control.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has condemned the killing of the Sikh in Mumbai yesterday and urged his Maharashtra counterpart to take effective measures for protecting the life and property of Sikhs in Mumbai and other places.
