Sirsa dera objects to Daduwal's event

BATHINDA: Another dera war has started in Haryana with Dera Sacha Sauda followers opposing a religious congregation to be organized by Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) member Baljit Singh Daduwal at Kalianwali in Sirsa district.
Daduwal, whose followers has pasted posters announcing the three-day congregation starting December 19, is facing stiff resistance from Dera Sacha Sauda, headed by controversial preacher Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.Dera followers have now written to Sirsa SP, urging him not to allow the congregation as it could cause law and order problems in the state.
They fear that Daduwal may use derogatory words against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in his speeches, which may trigger clashes. Daduwal is a known critic of Dera Sacha Sauda.
Earlier, the Bathinda district administration had denied permission to Daduwal for holding a congregation from December 5 to 7 at Kot Shamir village. Daduwal had succeeded in holding another congregation at a gurdwara despite the district administration objecting to it.
Daduwal is in a tiff with SAD government ever since he led a group of Haryana Sikhs to take control of Guhla Cheeka Gurdwara immediately after the formation of HSGMC. Daduwal was arrested on August 21 immediately after the byelection in Talwandi Sabo in connection with a 5-year-old case and was in Faridkot jail for two months.
Dera followers Pawan Kumar and Jagdish said, "Daduwal misleads people during his congregations and wherever he goes he creates a law and order situation as he tries to use derogatory words against Dera Sacha Sauda head. We have taken up the issue with the SP and have demanded that he should not be allowed to hold the congregation."
Daduwal said, "I fail to understand why would the event disturb law and order. I believe in peace and concerned only in talking about religion. I teach people to live peacefully. Only a few days ago I had organized a congregation near Bathinda and against apprehension of district administration of threat to peace and nothing happened. Now as per the wishes of people I will go to Kalianwali."
Sirsa SP Mitesh Jain said, "Nobody will be allowed to disturb law and order". He evaded a question on whether he will give permission to hold the congregation or not.