Punjab protests: CM Parkash Singh Badal calls emergency cabinet meeting; additional forces deployed

Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal will be having an emergency cabinet meeting as the state saw protests for the seventh day following the incident of alleged desecration of Sikh holy books.

Tensions mounted in Punjab as additional and paramilitary forces have been deployed in four cities in view of the state-wide protest over the desecration of the Sikh holy scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib. The angry protesters have been demanding the arrest of people behind disrespect the holy book and the policemen, who had been involved in the firing on a mob in Faridkot that killed two persons last week.

The Congress delegation had earlier today met Punjab governor Kaptan Singh Solanki over law & order situation after which a call rose for President's rule in the state. "There is a virtual paralysis in the Punjab government. The kind of condition that is there in Punjab, a little spark can be dangerous. The farmers who should be on the farm are on the road and the shops are closed. We requested the governor that until there is peace in the state, President rule should be imposed," Congress leader Sunil Jakhar said.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has convened an emergency Cabinet meeting today at 5pm as protests show no sign of stopping. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Badal yesterday and assured him all possible help from the Centre to defuse the tension prevailing in the state.

The Home Minister later briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation in Punjab.

With agency inputs