This Article is From Oct 22, 2015

Centre Seeks Information on 'Foreign Hand' Involvement from Punjab

Centre Seeks Information on 'Foreign Hand' Involvement from Punjab

Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh has conveyed to Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal that the central government was concerned over the situation in Punjab.

New Delhi: The Centre has sought a report from Punjab government on information about alleged foreign hand in the recent incidents of sacrilege that has sparked protests in the state, a senior Home Ministry official said.

All necessary action will be taken against criminal elements, be it within the country or outside, for creating disturbance, said officials.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Punjab Police said it had arrested two brothers for alleged involvement in the alleged desecration of the Sikh holy book, and claimed that they were getting instructions and funding from handlers in Australia and Dubai.

Jaswinder Singh and Rupinder Singh were arrested for the main case of sacrilege of the Sikh holy book at Bargari village in Faridkot district.

Police said that phone calls of the brothers had been traced to people in Australia and Dubai and a special investigation team will probe this aspect.

Punjab is witnessing protests over the incidents of sacrilege in different parts of the state.

Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker from Punjab, Bhagwant Mann met Home Minister, Rajnath Singh today and urged him to ensure peace in the state.

During the 15-minute meeting, Mr Mann conveyed to the Home Minister that the situation in Punjab was "very disturbing" in the wake of recent untoward incidents.

The sources said the Home Minister gave him a patient hearing and told him that he has already spoken to Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal and reviewed with him the prevailing situation in the state.

The chairman of International Sikh Council, Muktiyar Singh also met the Home Minister.

Concerned over desecration of Sikh holy books in Punjab, the Home Minister spoke to Mr Badal on Monday and assured him "all possible help" from the Centre to meet the situation that has arisen because of these incidents.

During the conversation, Mr Singh conveyed to Mr Badal that the central government was concerned over the situation in Punjab and asked the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to maintain peace in the state.

Mr Singh later apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the Punjab situation and details of his conversation with Mr Badal.
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