Radicals allege Cong-Akali pact, to start stir against govt

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, September 18

Two days after the SAD rally in the town despite resistance put up by Sikh hardliners, the latter have now decided to turn the heat on the Congress government, accusing it of having a “tactical” understanding with the Akalis on sacrilege issue.

Ironically, the Akalis have been accusing the Congress of colluding with the radical elements to target them.

Sources said the hardliners changed their stance following a “good response” to the Akali rally and the High Court stay on the proceedings against three retired police officers, nominated as accused by the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission.

The hardliners, who have been sitting on a dharna at Bargari since June 1, have now decided to put pressure on the government. The Sikh bodies spearheading the dharna mainly include the United Akali Dal and SAD (A). The Dal Khalsa is also supporting the dharna.

Panthic leaders Baljit Singh Daduwal and Dhian Singh Mand said the recent developments had exposed the friendly match going on between Capt Amarinder Singh and the Badals.

“The Congress did not defend its cases regarding SAD rally and relief to the three police officers in the court. This clearly shows that it has an understanding with the Akalis even as they are giving statements against them to befool the people,” the leaders said, while asking their followers to brace up for an agitation against the government.

They said for the last one month, Capt Amarinder Singh had been accusing the Akalis for the wrongs, but no concrete action had been taken against any Akali leader. The CM had the power to act against those indicted by the commission report, but he was reluctant to do so, the leaders alleged.