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Paramilitary forces sent to Punjab

NEW DELHI: To check the outbreak of violence in several parts of Punjab, the Centre has rushed 25 companies of paramilitary forces there and advised the State government to enforce curfew in the violence-hit cities.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P. Chidambaram appealed for peace and harmony among different sections. External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said the government would ensure that the perpetrators of the “completely mindless and wanton act” in a Vienna gurdwara were brought to justice.

Expressing concern over the violence in Punjab, the Prime Minister appealed for an end to it. “In areas where curfew has been imposed, it is necessary that people should go back to their homes and allow the security forces to restore law and order. I sincerely appeal to the people of Punjab to heed this message and help the authorities restore peace and order.”

Dr. Singh reminded the people that Sikhism preached tolerance and harmony. “All the revered gurus of Sikhism preached the values of equality, brotherhood and harmony,” he said in a message.

Mr. Krishna, who took charge of External Affairs Ministry on Monday, said the government was in touch with the Austrian authorities and was “closely monitoring the situation.”

Describing it as a very unfortunate and disturbing development, he said two groups of people owing allegiance to different families were in confrontation and made the gurdwara a place where attacks and counter-attacks took place.

He expressed grief over the killing of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna.

Mr. Krishna said the Indian embassy in Vienna was in close contact with the Austrian Foreign Office, the Viennese police and the Austrian authorities. “We are receiving the cooperation of the Austrian authorities and are determined to ensure that the perpetrators of this completely mindless and wanton attack are brought to justice.”

Maintaining that the situation in Punjab was “not quite normal,” the Home Minister told mediapersons that TV footage indicated that the police were not enforcing curfew.

“I have advised the State government that curfew must be enforced strictly.” A helicopter had been placed at the disposal of the Punjab government.

The Home Minister said the Vienna incident was unexpected. Nobody had any inkling of it and its fallout affected Punjab.

“The government in Punjab is dealing with it, I’m sure it will control the situation. I am not becoming judgmental, but whatever assistance is needed we will give it,” he said.

A delegation of Congress MPs from Punjab met Mr. Chidambaram and urged him to send Central forces to the State.

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