District admn lifts curfew in Sirsa, situation peaceful

Five days after a clash between followers of Dera Sacha Sauda and a group of Sikhs left 12 people injured in Sirsa, the district administration on Thursday lifted curfew in the city both during the day and night.

However, Section 144 of CrPC — barring carrying of weapons and unlawful assembly of four or more persons — will remain in force in the Sirsa district till further orders.

"Paramilitary and Rapid Action Force personnel will continue to be deployed in the area. Anybody trying to violate law and create law and order disruption would be dealt with sternly," Deputy Commissioner J Ganesan said, adding that vehicles entering the city were being checked at the nakas so that no anti-social element could enter the city.

"The district administration has divided the city into 16 sectors and duty magistrates have been appointed for each sector. Also, over 20 police personnel have been deployed with every duty magistrate. The paramilitary forces and police teams would continue to patrol the city," he said.

Ganesan added that all sub divisional officers (Civil), tehsildars, block development and panchayat officers have been asked to be in office and remain in touch with the police stations.

"In case they receive any information about violation of Section 144, law and order being disturbed or public property destroyed, they should take quick action against anti-social elements," he said.

A large number of locals, including representatives of organisations of doctors, lawyers, councillors, NGOs and social activists held a "peace march" in Sirsa and appealed to the people to maintain law and order.

ALSO READ

Theatres in Punjab cancel 'Shootout at Wadala' shows

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

Family of 1971 POW awaits his return from Pak, fears for his life

Anti-Pakistan protests erupt in Sarabjit's native village