SGPC president wants Dera chief under watch

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar on Monday asked Home Minister Shivraj Patil to direct the Haryana Government to place Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh under surveillance.

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar on Monday asked Home Minister Shivraj Patil to direct the Haryana Government to place Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh under surveillance.

In his memorandum, Makkar also requested the Home Minister to ask investigative agencies to expedite their probe against the Baba in cases involving murder and rape. “This man (the Sacha Sauda chief), if not checked, may create a law and order problem in Punjab and Haryana,” Makkar’s memorandum said.

The SGPC’s chief’s concern for peace in Punjab is understandable, but the mention of Haryana is significant. The latest move by Makkar comes two days ahead of a rally called by the Sikh clergy at Ratia in Fatehabad district of Haryana for July 11. It is a clever strategy by the ruling Akali Dal to export its own problem to the Congress-ruled neighbouring state.

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Makkar’s demand for surveillance on the Baba is curious when seen in the backdrop of the Punjab Government’s own reluctance to arrest him. The Akalis obviously do not to risk disturbing peace in Punjab where it is their responsibility to maintain law and order.

The unexpected rout of the Akalis in their traditional stronghold of Malwa during the last Assembly elections is attributed to Sacha Sauda supporters rooting for the Congress. Now, the Akalis are determined to prevent a repeat of what happened. Dera followers, particularly in the countryside, are currently under pressure from Akalis to renounce their faith in the Baba and return to the Sikh fold.

Ratia, meanwhile, is an appropriate choice. It is located close to the Punjab border. Sirsa, where Sacha Sauda is headquartered, is also