Latest Breaking News from Punjab:Sunday 8th July 2007

KAC for unconditional apology

Fatehgarh Sahib:Convener of the Khalsa Action Committee (KAC) Bhai Mohkam Singh said here today that the dera row could not be resolved till the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda tendered an unconditional apology to Akal Takht. Speaking to mediapersons at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Bhai Mohkam Singh, accompanied by SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjoli, said SGPC chief Avtar Singh should join the committee.

Sant Samaaj have given an ultimatium of 2 days for the arrest of Gurmeet Raam Raheem

Dera follower dies

The body of Jaswinder , a follower of Dera Sacha Sauda, who attempted self-immolation on July 2 and succumbed to his injuries last night in Delhi, was cremated at the local cremation ground amid tight security late this evening.
As the atmosphere was charged, the district police authorities deployed Punjab police personnel and men from the Rapid Action Force in and around this village. Jaswinder , a local resident and a Punjab government employee, had attempted self-immolation on the premises of the mini-secretariat in Sirsa to lodge protest against the alleged harassment of followers of the sect by the state government.
As the news of his death spread in this area, dera followers started pouring in this village since early morning.
The body was brought to his native village from Delhi by road accompanied by a cavalcade of about 60 vehicles.
Nau Nihal , SSP, said traffic on the Bathinda-Badal road was stopped for some time when the cremation took place.

Khalsa Action Committee invites SGPC chief for dharna on July 9

FATEHGARH SAHIB: Khalsa Action Committee (KAC) convener Bhai Mohkam Singh has sent invitation to SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar to participate in its proposed dharna in front of residences of Punjab and Haryana Chief Ministers on July 9.
Talking to select media persons Saturday in Gurdwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib Bhai Mohkam Singh, accompanied by SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjoli said that KAC is staging dharna to lodge their protest against Punjab and Haryana and not against any individual so Makkar should participate in their dharna. He said that KAC is spearheading campaign against Dera Sacha Sauda chief so SGPC should cooperate with KAC. He said that Makkar should participate in dharna against Chief Ministers as it.
Bhai Mohkam Singh said that KAC is satisfied with the role of Akal Takht over Dera Sacha Sauda issue but not with SGPC. He said that KAC accepted the all edicts issued by Akal Takht in the Dera issue but these SGPC and Badal led Shiromani Akali Dal had failed to implement these edicts in true sense. He said that it is only KAC, which is working for implementation of Akal Takht edicts in a peaceful was as directed by the Sikh clergy so SGPC and Badal led SAD should wholeheartedly support KAC. He offered two proposals to SGPC and SAD (Badal). He said that KAC is ready to come on common platform with SGPC and Badal led SAD in the Dera issue otherwise SGPC and pro Badal should come forward to support KAC.
He said that conflict with Dera Sacha Sauda could not be resolved untill the Dera Chief personally apologize before Akal Takht. He said the Dera chief should apologise in real sense. He said that KAC would wholeheartedly support the ‘Amrit Sanchar’ programme initiated by SGPC. He said that SAD Acting president Sukhbir Badal and all MLA of SAD (Badal), Youth Akali Dal should also get baptized. Bhai Mohkam Singh evaded reply about Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Paramjit Singh Sarna.