M A I N   N E W S

Kaithal villages tense as rivals step up campaign
SAD-SGPC teams camp in Haryana villages; HSGMC supporters keep a watch
Parvesh Sharma
Tribune News Service

Kaithal, August 2
A law and order problem appears imminent in many Haryana districts as warring Sikh groups have intensified their campaign against each other over formation of a separate gurdwara panel.

Akali leaders, including Prem Singh Chandumajra, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Sucha Singh Langah and Sewa Singh Sekhwan, along with many SGPC members are accompanying teams which are visiting various villages to protest against formation of the HSGMC. “Haryana Sikhs will give these teams a befitting reply. The SGPC and the SAD stand exposed. They will be responsible if anything happens to anyone during these meetings,” said a senior HSGMC functionary, pleading anonymity.

Sources said SAD leaders were trying to play the emotional card by solely blaming the Congress for interference in Sikh affairs. HSGMC members are staying away from these meetings to avoid a direct confrontation, but have directed their supporters in villages to keep an eye on such gatherings.

“All Haryana Sikhs are our brothers. Our fight is only against the Congress. We know that all Sikhs have great respect for Akal Takht and the matter will be resolved in the coming days. We are conducting meetings to expose the Congress and its divisive policies,” Chandumajra said.

Some HSGMC members said things might turn ugly if such meetings were not stopped immediately.

“Villagers get edgy after listening to anti-HSGMC speeches. Immediate steps should be taken to ban these meetings, which may create serious law and order problem,” said HSGMC member Bhupinder Singh Assandh.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) launching a campaign against HSGMC and leaders of the HSGMC intensifying efforts to take control of “seva” of gurdwaras, a law and order problem seems imminent.

Prem Singh Chandumajra, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Sucha Singh Langah, Sewa Singh Sekhwan and many SGPC members are leading separate teams which are visiting various villages to protest against formation of the HSGMC.