Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday broke his silence on the Satlok Ashram operation and declared that the State Government was committed to upholding the law and ensuring strict compliance with the directions of the High Court. All are equal before the law and the government is working dispassionately without any pressure or favouritism, he said in a statement.
Mr. Khattar, who had earlier urged self-styled godman Rampal to surrender and submit himself to the judicial process, said “the State Government is proceeding carefully and cautiously to arrest Sant Rampal.”
He said “the first priority is to safely take out the innocent children, women and aged persons who are stranded in the Ashram, and also make arrangements for their safe passage to their homes. The police are working with great wisdom, restraint and in a planned manner.”
The Chief Minister expressed the hope that the operation would be completed soon and the police would produce Rampal before the court after arresting him. He also expressed concern over the incident of misbehaviour with media persons during the police operation and gave the assurance that the whole incident would be investigated.
Arrangements for the treatment of those injured have been made by the administration, he added.
Mr. Khattar said that despite the incidents of firing, stone-pelting and throwing of acid and petrol bombs from inside the Ashram, the police exercised extreme restraint as its main aim was to ensure safety and security of the thousands of innocent people stranded in the Ashram.
More than 10,000 people have so far been taken out of the Ashram and arrangements have been made for their safe passage to their respective destinations, he said.
Making an appeal to the people against politicising the sensitive issue, he said that timely action had been taken by the Haryana Police with the assistance of the Central Reserve Police Force.
