Tight security in place in Talwandi Sabo near Bathinda on Wednesday. Tribune photo
Varinder Singh
Tribune News Service
Bathinda/Talwandi Sabo, Dec 7
The Bathinda administration today refused to give permission to Sikh leaders to hold “Sarbat Khalsa” at Talwandi Sabo on Thursday.
The Deputy Commissioner has denied permission to the organisers on the basis of apprehensions expressed by the police in its report that Sikh leaders could create a serious law and order problem if they were allowed to hold the congregation on the Natt road at Talwandi Sabo.
To prevent Sikh leaders from sneaking into Punjab from neighbouring states of Haryana and Rajasthan, the police have sealed the interstate borders.
An uneasy calm is prevailing at Talwandi Sabo town. A large number of police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed to tackle any situation arising out of the possible confrontation with the Sikh leaders.
The administration has disposed of the application of United Akali Dal leaders seeking permission for the congregation. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed it on Tuesday to take a decision within 24 hours.
The ‘akhand path’, which was started by Sikh activists led by Gurdip Singh Bathinda of the United Akali Dal yesterday, is on at the site. The police are not allowing people to gather there in large numbers to avoid any law and order situation.
More than 250 Panthic leaders have already moved to Haryana and Rajasthan fearing police action even as parallel "jathedar" Baljit Singh Daduwal has asserted that he would be reaching Talwandi Sabo to attend the "bhog" of the "akhand path" on December 8 and to participate in the "Sarbat Khalsa" with his supporters and the Sikh sangat.
The police are still conducting raids at the residences of Sikh leaders. The police fear that the Panthic leaders could disrupt the SAD's Moga rally tomorrow.
‘Bid to disturb peace’
Patiala: Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said a handful of self-styled leaders were hell bent on holding a congregation at Talwandi Sabo to hatch conspiracies to derail the process of development and peace in the state and push it back to turbulent times. Talking to the media on the sidelines of his Sangat Darshan at Tohra village, Badal reiterated the state government could not allow these divisive forces to hold Sarbat Khalsa. He said the government was committed to preserve the law and order at any cost, besides strengthening the social fabric and maintaining peace and harmony in the state. TNS
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