Chandigarh: The core committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) met in Chandigarh on Thursday under the leadership of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal and later held a meeting with Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to raise the issue of the alleged disappearance of 328 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
After the meeting, SAD leaders and workers began protesting outside the DGP’s office. Sources said the Akali leadership told the DGP that if arrests were to be made in the case, they were ready to face them, but demanded concrete action and clarity from the police in the sensitive matter.
Following the meeting, Youth Akali Dal workers from three districts were directed to reach the DGP office, after which demonstrations intensified in the area.
Majithia attends meeting after release from jail
Senior Akali leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who was released from jail after seven months, also attended the core committee meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Majithia said he wanted both factions of the Akali Dal to unite, reiterating a stand he had expressed a day earlier.
“If needed, I am ready to go barefoot to senior leaders to bring unity,” Majithia said, adding that the goal should be to strengthen the party ahead of future challenges. Several leaders present welcomed his remarks.
Reacting to Majithia’s statement, Aam Aadmi Party MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer took a dig, saying, “We will see whether they actually unite this year or not.”
The situation around the DGP office remained tense as SAD workers continued their protest, while police kept a close watch on developments.
