More than 90 Sikh activists, including Sant Samaj leader Baljit Singh Daduwal, who were arrested last night, have been sent in judicial custody till March 24.

The move is aimed at scuttling the proposed Dharam Yudh Morcha from Talwandi Sabo, in which radical Sikh bodies had decided to send 11-member squads of ‘marjeeve’ (persons ready to sacrifice their lives for religion) every Sunday to Salabatpura against dera activities.

First such squad was announced to head towards dera on March 22.

About 32 arrested radicals protested violently in the police vehicle, when they were being taken to Barnala jail, after which they were brought back to Bathinda jail.

Later in the day, Daduwal and eight others were taken by Faridkot police on production warrants in connection with an attempt-to-murder case registered yesterday following the clash between Sikh activists, led by Daduwal, and Faridkot police.

Those arrested by the Bathinda police included Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj chief Baljinder Singh and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha chief Sukhwinder Singh Khalsa.

Meanwhile, Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh did not blame Faridkot police and the administration in the Bajakhana incident.

“They (Punjab government) did not interfere in the religious congregation of the Sikhs. The clash occurred when the congregation was over and Sikh activists were returning. It appears to be a personal clash with the police,” Jathedar Nandgarh said, while talking to The Indian Express over phone about the allegations of the state government’s involvement.

... contd.