Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh took to Twitter to make an appeal to the people of the State to maintain peace and law and order in the State, minutes after the Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was pronounced guilty in 2002 rape case on Friday.
At the same time, Capt Amarinder blamed the Haryana Government for not stopping Dera followers to gather in Panchkula ahead of verdict.
Capt Amarinder posted a video message urging people to stay calm. “It is my appeal to Punjab today to keep the atmosphere peaceful. The security forces are spread all over. Apart from Punjab Police and Central paramilitary forces, there are arrangements for deploying Army if there is a need. But we do not want this. We want that Punjab should stay peaceful and there should be no violence and I appeal to you to keep peace,” said Capt Amarinder in a one minute video.
“I appeal to all Punjabis to maintain peace and harmony in the State. We won’t allow anyone to disturb the peace & tranquility of our State,” Capt Amarinder also tweeted.
At the same time, Capt Amarinder assured the people of Punjab that the situation in the State is “under control”.
“Only a few minor incidents have been reported in some areas and the security forces, including Punjab Police and paramilitary personnel, are out across the State, especially in the vulnerable areas,” he said.
“Nothing untoward has happened and the step was taken as a matter of precaution…The police dispersed the mob which tried to set ablaze a railway station and a power station…No damage was done,” he said.
Capt Amarinder said that he has given full authority to the State police chief to impose curfew wherever he feels there is a need.
Chief Minister wasted no time to blame the Haryana Government for allowing Dera supporters in thousands to enter Panchkula town ahead of the verdict. “I think a mistake was made yesterday (Thursday) by allowing the Dera supporters to enter into the city,” he said.
Capt Amarinder said that the Army is also on standby and some districts have been placed under curfew to prevent any law and order problem.
He also assured that there is adequate security and he was personally monitoring the situation. All steps would be taken to prevent things from getting of control, he added.
Capt Amarinder also spoke to the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to brief him about situation in Punjab. “Just briefed @rajnathsingh ji about situation in Punjab. Keeping a close watch. Would not allow anyone to disturb peace in Punjab,” he tweeted.
“Chief Minister is monitoring the situation continuously…taking regular inputs from senior members of his team to assess the situation,” said the Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Raveen Thukral.
Earlier, Capt Amarinder met the BSF and Punjab Police personnel standing guard in areas in Zirakpur ahead of the verdict.