Government gave an assurance in LS that 'appropriate' action would be taken and necessary help extended to the state govt in dealing with the situation.
NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the action of Dera Sacha Sauda in Punjab, Government on Thursday gave an assurance in the Lok Sabha that "appropriate" action would be taken and necessary help extended to the state government in dealing with the situation.
"We feel concerned... we feel saddened at whatever has happened in Punjab. Nobody can support it," Home Minister Shivraj Patil said after Akali Dal members, supported by BJP, vehemently protested against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh allegedly hurting Sikh sentiments by dressing up like Guru Gobind Singh.
"We have great regard for the Sikh religion," Patil said hoping "wisdom will prevail". The Minister said he had spoken to Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and other states.
He assured members that "whatever is legally possible will be done".
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Raising the issue, RS Ajnala, Akali Dal, said Punjab was in "turmoil" for the past three days and Sikhs had been "insulted" by Sacha Sauda chief who should be arrested and a CBI probe ordered into the entire affair.
Patil said "law will take its own course" and appropriate action would be taken against those who have "done any wrong".
He said all steps would be taken to ensure that peace prevails.
At one stage, Ajnala accused the Congress of supporting the Dera Sacha Sauda chief triggering heated exchanges with the treasury benches. The Akali Dal member accused the Congress of "reviving militancy" in Punjab.
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