Ferozepur, February 19, 2017: The police prevented a clash between the followers of Dera Sacha Sauda and members of some Sikh organisations over ‘naam charcha’ (religious congregation) at Maknu.
The situation was controlled with the intervention of cops and dera premis were dispersed to their villages in their presence.The members of the Sikh organizations reportedly tried to disrupt the proceedings at the place of worship by the followers of dera. Both sides countered each other by raising slogans. All this happened despite elaborate police arrangements.
But sensing trouble, the police acted swiftly and thwarted attempts of possible clash.
According to leader of Sikh organizations Baba Dilbagh Singh, the Akal Takht has issued a ‘hukamnama’ against the dera head but SAD(Badal) had virtually challenged the sense of honour of the Sikhs. He said, the naam charcha will not be allowed to be held at any place under the influence of Badals.
In the past also, there have been confrontation between dera premis and Sikh organizations over holding of naam charcha.
Raj Kumar, Member, Green “S” Welfare Force condemned the alleged insult of the dera premis.
Updated: On the complaint of dera followers, the police had booked 37 persons including 21 unidentified under Sections 506 – criminal intimidation, 148 and 149 – rioting, 295 – defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class and 427 – mischief causing damage - of IPC.
It is pertinent to mention that while Dera Sacha Sauda had announced the support to SAD during the recent concluded Assembly elections on February 4 following the request of SAD leaders with assurance to allow dera followers to hold their religious congregations in the state. On the other hand, Akal Takht is probing into the issue of seeking dera support by the Sikh leaders.