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Dera clashes reach Delhi

Staff Reporter

Sikh group members indulge in violence at several places

NEW DELHI: The controversy over an advertisement that resulted in clashes between followers of Dera Sacha Sauda sect and Sikh activists in Punjab earlier this week spilt over to Delhi with members of the two groups indulging in violence and organising protests at several places. About a dozen people sustained minor injuries and some vehicles were damaged at Vikaspuri.

Protest

Akali Dal (Badal) general secretary Onkar Singh Thapar and several other Sikh activists protesting near the Central Reserve Police Force camp at Vikaspuri were injured when Dera followers launched a sudden attack on them.

"We had gathered in large numbers near the camp around 2 p.m. to protest against the Dera chief and dispersed around 4 p.m. I was talking to some television channel reporters, when two trucks carrying the Dera followers suddenly reached the spot. They pelted stones, damaging the outstation broadcast (OB) van of a TV channel and even attacked some media persons," said Mr. Thapar, now recuperating in a hospital on Jail Road.

Later, Sikh activists blocked Jail Road protesting against the attack and seeking arrest of those who indulged in violence.

Sikh activists also staged protests at Bhogal, Janakpuri and some other areas of the Capital. However, the demonstrations in these areas were peaceful.

`Sarva Dharma sabha'

Meanwhile, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee organised a "Sarva-Dharma Sabha" at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj and called upon those indulging in mindless violence to follow the path of peace.

"The meeting today [Wednesday] was attended by representatives of all religions and they prayed for peace in the country. We will also take out a peace march on Sunday from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara to Jantar Mantar to spread the message of brotherhood," said Delhi SGPC president Paramjit Singh Sarna.

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