Dera Sacha Sauda followers attack SAD workers at Arya Samaj Chowk in Patiala on Wednesday. — Photo: PTI

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Wednesday assured Rajya Sabha members of extending all possible help to the Punjab Government in controlling the situation arising out of violent confrontations between the followers of a Haryana-based religious sect — Dera Sacha Sauda — and the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee in Bhatinda.

Responding to the concern expressed by members before the question hour commenced, Mr. Patil, who was present in the House, said he had spoken to Punjab Chief Minister (Parkash Singh Badal) and advised him to take appropriate action. ``We'll support and assist the State Government in whatever way we can. Nothing should happen to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community of the Sikh religion.''

When BJP member S.S. Ahluwalia wanted to know what action the Centre would take, the Home Minister said: ``If we bypass the State Government and take action on our own then members would not agree and the house would not support us. We appeal to everyone to do nothing to hurt the country's unity and religious sentiments.''

Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat admitted a notice by Independent member Tarlochan Singh and allowed him to raise the matter before taking up questions. Shiromani Akali Dal members tried to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha as well without success.

Mr. Singh said Sikh sentiments had been hurt by the Dera chief (Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim who was shown in advertisements dressed as Guru Gobind Singh) against whom a CBI case had been registered (allegedly for his involvement in the reported killing of a journalist at his Dera).

``He is now ridiculing the sacrifices made by Sikh gurus. In 1978 a similar incident happened when Sikh gurus were imitated and that triggered the Punjab crisis with the emergence of Bhindaranwala. It should be found out which political party is behind them and the Dera Chief should be arrested immediately.''

Mr. Ahluwalia said the Sikh Sangat was meeting at Takhat Damdama Sahib (in Talwandi Saboo in Bhatinda) on March 18 and the situation could flare-up. He sought the arrest of the Baba and said the help of Haryana Government (where the Dera is head-quartered) should be sought. However, when he sought to name a political party, the Chair restrained him.

Farooq's appeal

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah made an appeal against misuse of religion and infighting, ``which would bring down India that is progressing.''

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