Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, November 7

Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal today visited some religious sects in Moga this evening to mobilise support against the proposed religious congregation being termed as Sarbat Khalsa by some panthic organisations.

Sukhbir visited Nanaksar Kalera, Badhni Kalan and Lopo in Moga district and promised the heads of these sects that the SGPC would install CCTV cameras at all gurdwaras in over 12,000 villages in the state by January next year.

Speaking at Badhni Kalan, Sukhbir said the panchayats would be given the responsibility to keep a close vigil on the surroundings of the gurdwaras to check desecration incidents. Sukhbir visited Nanaksar Kalera, Anand Ishwar Darbar Thath Badhni Kalan and Darbar Sampardai Lopon Sahib this evening. These sects have substantial following in Moga.

The panthic organisations too have a substantial support base in Moga.

The SAD’s Moga district leadership under the command of Tota Singh too convened a meeting of its leaders at Gurdwara Bibi Kahan Kaur. Party leaders were given a message to mobilise support against Sarbat Khalsa.

A similar meeting of Faridkot district Akali leadership was convened at Gurdwara Khalsa Deewan.

Jagraon: Sukhbir met Nanaksar Sect head Baba Lakha Singh at Nanaksar Sahib near Jagraon.

Sukhbir discussed the political scenario in Punjab with Baba Lakha Singh. It was learnt that Sukhbir also sought the sect head’s help to steer the Akali Dal out of the difficult situation.

Giani Karnail Singh Garib, chief secretary, Nanaksar Sect, said political and religious situation was discussed, but denied that the Deputy CM sought their help.

“The Deputy CM was here to pay obeisance. He held meeting with our sect head and discussed sacrilege incidents. Our head asked him to speed up the probe into such incidents,” he said.