Latest Breaking News from Punjab: Saturday 7th July 2007

Haryana govt yet to okay SGPC’s meet

CHANDIGARH: Fearing a clash between Dera Sacha Sauda followers and Sikh community, the Haryana government has so far withheld permission to an SGPC-proposed function on July 11 at Ratia in Fatehabad. However, it has sought addimore central security forces to prevent any untoward incident, said senior officials on Friday. The situation seems to have become more tense with the Dera seeking permission to hold naam charcha on the same day at Sirsa, just 14 km away from Ratia. Efforts are said to be on in persuading the Sikh clergy, through the Punjab government, to shift the function site outside Haryana."If it is a question of sending a message to Haryana government, they can easily organise it in Chandigarh, the seat of both governments. But why Ratia, where even a slightest provocation can lead to a major flare up?" asks a senior official. With the states in constant touch with the Centre, senior officials of both governments are also said to have met, followed by a one-to-on meeting between the two chief ministers. While 10 companies of central security forces are sought for Fatehabad, Sirsa administration has five such companies already in place including two IRB, two CRPC and one RAF units. Sirsa SP, Vikas Arora says they have been briefed to maintain law and order in the area, for which they are fully prepared. SP Fatehabad, Saurabh Sinha, responsible for Ratia, says the forces have carried mock drills and have also reached the area. Sukhwinder Singh, district president Satkar Sabha, Haryana, has applied for permission to hold the Sikh meet at Ratia’s anaj mandi on July 11. However, DC Fatehabad OP Sheoran says, the administration will make up its mind after "considering various factors."

Police Activities remained high to arrest Bhai Daljit Singh

Throughout the day Fatehgarh Sahib police was on its' toes in search of Bhai Daljit Singh. A Police party from Fatehgarh Sahib was in Patiala to arrest of Bhai Daljit Singh. CID activities also remined high throughout the day. Bhai Daljit Singh is expected to move High Court for Grant of Anicipatory Bail in this case of Sedition U/s 124A (IPC).

Bhai Mohkam Singh Elected New Convenor of KAC

In an important meeting held at Gurudwara Sahib, Sarabha Nagar (Ludhiana) Bhai Mohkam Singh is selected as next convenor of Khalsa Action Committee (KAC). Previous Convinor of KAC; Parmjeet Singh Sarna has resigned from the post, his resignation was accepted on 28 June meeting of KAC held at Fatehgarh Sahib.

Court Refused to Grant Bail to Bhai Daljit Singh

In a sedition case the Addisional Session Judge of Fatehgarh Sahib has refuesed to grant Bail to Bhai Daljit Sigh. Session Judge hearing the case was on leave and matter was heard by Addn. Sessions Judge. Arrest of Bhai Daljit Singh was stayed by Previous judge, now that stay is removed. This case was registed on 31 May, it is related to Protest March held at Fatehgarh Sahib. This case is registered just to keep Bhai Daljit Singh away from dera sauda issue.

6 Marches and Protest Dharna

In todays meeting descussion on Protest Dharna to be held by KAC at Chandigarh on 9 July was discussed in detail. Besides this work policy for Khalsa Marches in six malwa districts of Punjab was also framed. These marches are to awair people about Sikhi.

Diffrenses Resolved - Sant Samaj's Outside Support

Today KAC Genral Body was informed by S. Jasbir Singh Rode and Kanwarpal Singh Bittu that difrenses with Sant Samaj has been resolved to a large extent. Meanwhile Sant Samaj has decide to extend outside support to KAC, previously Sant Samaj had two of its' representatives as members of KAC.

New Members of Khalsa Action Committee

In todays meeting four new members are admitted to KAC. They are S. Harinder Singh UP (Sri Guru Kendari Singh Sabha, Chandigarh), S. Dalbara Singh Gill (International Human Rights Organization - IHRO), S. Charn Singh Lohara (Akali Dal, Amritsar) and S. Swarn Singh Khalsa.

Makkar's Statement

Avtar Singh Makkar, president of SGPC has said that there is no need of Khalsa Action Committee as there is SGPC to impliment directives of Akal Takht. This statement is surprising as Sangat has recognized KAC by participating in 24 June Khasla March, which was opposed by SGPC as per direction of Badal Dal cheif, PS Badal.

Suicide Attempt by Dera Follower

As 25 dera followers are on fast untill death at Sirsa, another follower attemted to commit suicide by seting himself ablaze.

Makhar and Sukhbir Badal to meet home minister

SGPC chief Avtar Singh and SAD working president Sukhbir Badal will meet union home minister Shivraj V. Patil on July 9 to demand extending the term of the SGPC president and other office-bearers from one to two-and-half years.
The proposed deputation comprising senior SGPC and SAD leaders would also urge expediting the CBI case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The joint deputation will also urge the union home minister to get back the rare manuscripts and books taken from the Sikh Reference Library of Golden Temple after Operation Bluestar.
Ranjit Singh Nanda, a retired CBI inspector, had made a statement that the rare manuscripts, hukamnamas, books and invaluable material of the Sikh Reference Library was taken in gunny bags and big trunks to an unknown place after Operation Bluestar. The joint deputation would also seek permission to co-opt foreign-based Sikhs in the SGPC.