Pastor’s Killing: Khaira targets Saffron forces, for Sukhbir it’s law and order failure
By Sanjeev Sood
Ludhiana, July 21, 2017: Newly elected Leader of Opposition and AAP MLA Sukhpal Khaira and SAD president Sukhbiir Badal called on the bereaved family of Ludhiana pastor who was shot dead by unidentified assailants last Saturday.
Khaira suspected the hand of the saffron forces who, according to him, were out to divide the country along communal lines with their anti-minorities agenda.
When asked to comment, Sukhbir Badal termed Khaira’s statement as an attempt to remain in news.
Both leaders, however, strongly condemned the pastor’s killing.
Khaira targeted the RSS and BJP rule for increasing incidence of victimisation of minorities. He suggested the Punjab Police should pobe the killing from this angle.
He also dismissed the DGP Suresh Arora’s observation hinting at likely involvement of anti-India forces across the border.
On his part, Sukhbir Badal attributed the killing to deteriorating law and order situation since formation of the Congress government. He alleged Akali workers were also being increasingly targeted and killed in the state.
Referring to such cases during the tenure of his government, Sukhbir Badal said they had entrusted their probe immediately to the CBI. The Congress government should also do the same.
Both top leaders from the Opposition ranks in Punjab were in city on Friday to offer condolences to the bereaved family. Both visited their house separately within a gap of couple of hours.