Akalis gherao Raj Bhavan

Chandigarh, October 14

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other senior leaders were detained over an impromptu gherao of the Raj Bhavan here over the extension of the BSF’s jurisdiction.

Sukhbir said CM Charanjit Singh Channi “colluded and surrendered” before the Centre, which had extended control over law and order across almost half of the state.

Situation grave

Drone sightings and drug trafficking have increased in the state. The CM apprised the Centre of the grave situation. — Ashwani Sharma, BJP

Not justified

Taking away the rights of the state in the name of border security is not justified at all. The Centre is not respecting the democratic system. — Parminder Dhindsa, SAD (sanyukt)

Hold all-party meet

The CM should convene an all-party meet to decide on sending a joint delegation to meet the Centre. — Harpal Cheema, AAP

Earlier, addressing a gathering when stopped from proceeding to the Raj Bhavan, Sukhbir said this was the second time the Centre had impinged on the rights of Punjab. Terming the move an attack on the federal structure of the state, Badal said now even holy shrines such as Sri Darbar Sahab, Durgiana Mandir and Ram Tirath would come under the control of central forces.

“The SAD will fight to right this wrong as we stand for a genuine federal structure.” Senior leaders Daljit Singh Cheema, Surjit Singh Rakhra, NK Sharma and Parambans Romana also courted arrest along with Sukhbir. — TNS

Akalis gherao Raj Bhavan
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