Malout Tense After Sikh-djjs Clash

[SaRpAnCh]

MALOUT (MUKTSAR): As if the simmering tensions between Dera Sacha Sauda and Sikhs were not enough to keep Malwa on boil, a fresh row of similar nature rocked Malout on Monday. Late evening, around 8.30 pm, followers of Ashutosh Maharaj's Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan (DJJS) of Noormahal and Sikhs clashed over a religious function and fought pitched-battles at the venue. In an attempt to restore order, police resorted to firing in the air as lights went out after miscreants snapped the power cable. At least 15 persons sustained injuries in the incident. Three are said to be in a serious condition.

While Muktsar deputy commissioner Rajat Aggarwal said the situation was under control, sources claimed it was highly volatile. Battlelines are drawn, they said. "Over 200 Sikhs have taken shelter in a gurdwara while a 100-odd sect followers are camping in the ashram. The duelling parties are armed with sticks and stones," they said.

Tension prevailed in the town since morning, after DJJS followers announced a four-day 'Ram Katha' programme at the Sewa Sadan building. Following their pattern on Dera programmes, Sikhs had opposed the congregation. In view of the stand-off, there was heavy police deployment and DJJS followers decided to change the progamme venue to the sect's ashram.

According to sources, just when the religious programme started, around 200 Sikhs marched to the ashram and crossed the two police barricades set up to break their progress. Soon, all hell broke loose as the groups began pelting stones and cops added to the ruckus with their firing.

As in the case of Dera Sacha Sauda, DJJS can turn out to be another potential trouble-spot. While a large number of Sikh organisations are up in arms against DJJS, its close ties with the Badal family have earned a severe rebuke from radical elements in the community.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chandig...how/3460726.cms

[Mehtab Singh]

We have anti-Sikh forces right under our nose on the land of our Gurus, right in Punjab!

[Harvinder singh Babbar]

DEATH TO ASHUTOSH

[jasleen k]

"armed with sticks and stones"? :gg:

i thought there were SIKHS there?

[Harvinder singh Babbar]

prolly more then that jasleen, never trust indian media!

[jasleen k]

prolly more then that jasleen, never trust indian media!

you speak the truth, veerji!