Civic elections: SAD alleges police inaction in Bhikhiwind violence
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, February 4
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday announced that it would hold a dharna outside the SSP office if the police failed to take an action against Congress nagar panchayat candidates from Bhikhiwind, who had allegedly attacked the residence of SAD leader Amarjit Dhillon.
At a press conference here, party leaders Bikram Singh Majithia and Virsa Singh Valtoha alleged that Congress candidates — Sitara Singh Dilari, Jagjit Singh Jagga and Yadwinder Singh attacked the residence of Dhillon where the SAD candidates had gathered prior to filing their nominations on February 2.
They alleged that rifles were loaded by Congressmen while standing next to the SHO’s vehicle. “The police force remained a mute spectator to this murder of democracy,” they added.
Valtoha said even after this violence, the police registered a case against 15 SAD activists. “We even resorted to a dharna and were assured by the police that justice would be done in the case. But instead of doing that, the police started raiding the houses of Akali leaders and workers,” said Valtoha.
Majithia said it was the responsibility of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to ensure that law and order was maintained during the municipal polls. “It is clear that Khemkaran MLA Sukhpal Bhullar and the Tarn Taran police have become partners in breaking the peace of the area,” he stated.
Majithia claimed that they had given proof of Congress candidates leading armed people to attack SAD candidates to the police but it was not taking any action in the matter. “If this this continues, we will be constrained to approach the high court against the SSP,” Majithia added.
Valtoha said the SAD had informed the Bhikhiwind Tehsildar about the Congress’ conspiracy to vitiate the atmosphere in the area. He said the Tehsildar gave time to the SAD candidates to file their nominations on February 2, but on the same day armed Congressmen positioned themselves outside this office to prevent this.
