Sikh clergy meet to solve sect conflict

New Delhi: The tension between Akalis and Dera Sacha Sauda activists continued for the third day on Wednesday. Violence was reported in several parts of Punjab and in several other states too.

The clashes are fast spreading from Punjab to other states. In Delhi, Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) General Secretary Omkar Singh Thapar was hurt in an attack during a meeting in Vikaspuri.

"They came in large numbers and attacked us. We were simply protesting peacefully," he said.

Meanwhile in Jammu, protesting Sikh activists burned the effigy of Dera Chief Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Many towns in Uttar Pradesh also witnessed protests.

Trouble began on Monday after allegations that Dera had brought out an advertisement showing its chief attired like Guru Gobind Singh.

Says Head of Damdami Taksal, Harman Singh Bhindrawale, "Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan governments have to ensure that Baba Ram Rahim apologises to the Sikhs for trying to equate himself with the tenth Sikh guru. It's a conspiracy of the Central Government that such controversy is taking place in Punjab."

Punjab too continues to be tense. Violence erupted in Amritsar on Wednesday after a bandh call by Sikh bodies.

In Patiala, an ashram of the Dera was torched on Tuesday night. Violence was reported in Patiala, Phagwara and Amritsar.

The state government has stepped up security across the state to prevent a repeat of Tuesday night's violence in Bhatinda.

Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal, has meanwhile said that peace has been restored in the state and that he has ordered an enquiry into the incident.

Despite the widespread violence, the Centre says it will not interfere.

Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, earlier said, "We feel that Central intervention will not be to anyone's benefit."

The Sikh clergy will now meet at the Damdama Sahib Gurudwara on Thursday to find a resolution to the crisis.

All eyes are now on the Sikh clergy meeting, which will have to do a tightrope walk and come up with a solution that appeals to both the Akalis and Dera Sacha Sauda as well as keep the peace in Punjab.