Dera violence: Punjab CM to visit 'vulnerable' areas in state to thank people for ensuring peace

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh will tour some "vulnerable" areas in the state to thank people and security forces for ensuring peace despite the tension following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.

An official spokesperson said the chief minister will tour areas of Mansa, Maur, Bathinda and Balluana (railway station), before concluding his visit in Malout.

He will be accompanied by senior administrative and police officials, and will assess the damage, if any, on the ground, the spokesperson said.

Chief Minister Singh has already directed officials to make a list of properties damaged in sporadic violence reported yesterday in the state, he said.

The state government will submit the list to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has ordered recovery of compensation from the Dera.

The spokesperson disclosed that during brief telephonic conversations with the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police of the affected areas, the chief minister lauded their good work.

He directed the officials to continue to monitor the situation on the ground till normalcy is completely restored and to take all necessary steps to maintain law and order when the court announces the quantum of sentence against Ram Rahim Singh on Monday.