No signs of talks to resolve Dera controversy

CHANDIGARH: Even as the state showed the first signs of returning to normalcy after six days of tension and sporadic sectarian violence, the possibility of talks to resolve the row between the Dera sect followers and the Akalis seemed to be remote.

Though the Dera spokesperson favoured a dialogue to resolve the crisis, neither the Akalis nor the government seemed to be in a mood for talks as the 72-hour deadline for Dera chief's arrest ends on Sunday.

In fact, the stumbling block in way of the talks seemed to be the rigid stand taken by the militant faction within the Sikh clergy seeking apology from Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, a demand yet to be accepted.

So far no case has been registered against the Dera chief, who created a furore by appearing in robes similar to those worn by the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, even though Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has condemned his 'act of provocation.'

Baba Gurmeet on Friday said that he did not imitate the Sikh guru and cannot even think of doing so but did not show any inclination to offer an apology or regret his act.