BOOK ROW: SUKHBIR COURTS ARREST
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal during a protest outside chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s residence in Sector 3, Chandigarh, on Monday.
TAKING THE SECURITY MEN BY SURPRISE, THE SAD PROTESTERS CROSS POLICE BARRICADES AND SIT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CM’S RESIDENCE
CHANDIGARH:Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders and workers on Monday staged a dharna outside the residence of chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh in Chandigarh against the alleged discrepancies in the Class 12 history book.
The workers, led by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, said the book shows Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind, Guru Tegh Bahadur and 10th master Guru Gobind Singh in a bad light.
They later courted arrest and were taken to the Sector 3 police station.
“We will continue with our protest till the chief minister apologises to the Sikh sangat and takes action against those responsible for preparing and distributing the offensive material to schoolchildren,” said Sukhbir while addressing the protesters.
Last week, the CM had ordered to recall the book prepared by a panel of experts headed by historian Dr Kirpal Singh. The panel has conceded to rectify mistakes, if any, but maintaining that the content was taken on contemporary sources.
Taking the security personnel by surprise, the protesters crossed two police barricades and sat right in front of the CM’s residence. Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, who came to meet the CM, had to return as his vehicle was not allowed to enter inside.
Speaking to mediapersons, Sukhbir said. “The Congress government has deliberately distorted the Sikh history for the second time in six months. The insult to the Gurus cannot be tolerated. We will not rest till the guilty are not arrested.
CHECK DISSENT IN PARTY FIRST: SIDHU
Local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said before staging a protest against the CM, Sukhbir should check dissent in the party first. “All taksali Akalis are against him. If they Akalis want to protest for dignity and honour of Sikh gurus they should join the stir in Bargari where anti-sacrilege protest is underway.
“They should also explain as why they allowed desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib during their tenure. When not in power, the Akalis protest for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and when in power they indulge in recreational activities like organising kabbadi matches.