Punjab shutdown today, security tightened at vital installations

Security has been tightened in all sensitive areas across Punjab following a shutdown called by the top Sikh body, Akal Takht, on Tuesday to protest against the alleged blasphemous act by the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh.

Amritsar, May 22 : Security has been tightened in all sensitive areas across Punjab following a shutdown called by the top Sikh body, Akal Takht, on Tuesday to protest against the alleged 'blasphemous' act by the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh.

Security forces, including paramilitary personnel, have been deployed in view of the call for a day-long shutdown.

Special security arrangements have been made at places near the Dera's ashrams.

A fresh advisory has already been issued to the Punjab Government by the Home Ministry to take all necessary steps to maintain law and order in the State.

Earlier, two advisories have been sent to the State Government and 35 companies of para-military force in view of the sectarian conflicts.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has demanded an apology from Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Ram Raheem for hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Badal's demand for an apology from the Dera chief came a day after Akal Takht, issued an edict that demanded apology from the sect's chief and the closure of all the Deras by May 27.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh sparked a controversy by purportedly appearing in the attire of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in an advertisement in some newspapers. Dera followers and Sikhs clashed in Punjab, Rajasthan and New Delhi over the past three days.

The violence that followed has led to death of one person and several others have been injured.

Sikhs in Jammu have also called shutdown today.

ANI