Police allow Daduwal’s congregation in Kalanwali

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Sirsa, December 17

Notwithstanding opposition from the Dera Sacha Sauda, the police today allowed radical Sikh leader Baljit Singh Daduwal to hold a religious congregation at Kalanwali in this district from December 19 to 21.

Anil Kumar, SHO of the Kalanwali police station, gave the permission subject to conditions, including playing loudspeakers for a specified time and at a low volume, and avoiding objectionable comments against any religion or sect.

The dera had given an application signed by followers from Kalanwali to Sirsa SP Mitesh Jain on December 15, demanding that Daduwal should not be allowed to hold the congregation.

The objective of Daduwal’s congregation was to mislead people in the name of religion and instigate them against the dera, alleged followers Ranjha Ram, Jagdish, Karam Chand and Anil Kumar, who signed the application.

They claimed that wherever Daduwal had organised congregations, atmosphere of the area was vitiated. “Daduwal has been instigating people against the Dera Sacha Sauda and he is facing criminal charges on this count,” a follower said.

The police, however, overlooked dera’s opposition and granted permission for the congregation.

Sirsa SP Jain said the police would ensure that the congregation went off peacefully. “The administration has assured the dera followers that law and order will be maintained,” he added.