As Jhinda, Nalvi and some other leaders held deliberations, more than 300 supporters led by committee members Avtar Singh Chakku, Joga Singh, Harpal Singh Palli, Apar Singh and Baba Baljit Singh Dadudwal marched towards the gurdwara around 3.50 pm raising slogans against Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar.

The police tried to intervene but the HSGMC supporters damaged three barricades and attempted to reach the gurdwara. But they were stopped just short of the gurdwara, where they sat on a dharna and raised slogans. Jhinda and Nalvi later joined the dharna.

Jhinda said: "We have started taking control of Sikh shrines in Haryana from today and it's the duty of the administration to get the gurdwara evacuated. We have started a dharna and will not leave until we get control of the gurdwara."

He alleged that those deputed by the SGPC and SAD inside the gurdwara had been hired on "daily wages".

Nalvi said: "We didn't want to take the control of the gurdwara forcefully, but have been forced to do so. It has been a month since the HSGMC Act was passed, but we have not got the management of the gurdwaras yet."

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vinay Kumar, who reached the scene, talked to both sides and offered to convene a meeting for a resolution.

The HSGMC leaders said they were ready for talks with senior leaders of the SAD and SGPC but the meeting should be convened at the Kurukshehtra mini secretariat.

SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said: "I am ready for talks, but the meeting should be held in Chandigarh."

On HSGMC's attempt to take over the gurdwara, he said: "I don't want to spell out the kind of response they will get if they try to enter the gurdwara premises forcefully."

SAD MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, who arrived at the gurdwara around 6 pm, said: "The Hooda government is to blame for the situation. Akal Takht has already directed the SGPC to manage Sikh shrines till the matter is resolved. "The HSGMC move is condemnable. We will not let them take control at any cost. They can send a six-member delegation for a meeting, but it should not include the two (Jhinda and Nalvi) who have been excommunicated by Akal Takth."

SGPC senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk, who was at the gurdwara, said: "The administration is responsible for maintaining law and order. Why hasn't the administration prevented hundreds of people from gathering outside the gurdwara? Why has it allowed them to sit on a dharna just 50 feet from the gurdwara?"

Sources in the HSGMC said the decision to take control of the gurdwara was taken during a meeting in Kaithal a few days ago.

PS Chandumajra, SAD MP