Certain forces trying to disturb peace in Punjab: Parkash Singh Badal

Anandpur Sahib (Ropar): Exhorting the SAD- BJP alliance to work zealously towards thwarting any attempts to disturb harmony in Punjab, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said some forces, both from within and outside the country, were trying to disrupt its hard-earned peace.

The Chief Minister said there were some active forces which were wary of the state's peace and progress and their sole motive was to destabilize the state government by disturbing peace and communal harmony as part of a conspiracy.

He was addressing a gathering after the bhog (culmination) of Akhand Path Sahib (recitation of hymns) at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib as repentance over the acts of desecration of a Sikh holy book in the state.

Badal said it was time for all leaders of the alliance to come forward and make people aware of the nefarious designs of such forces in order to foil their attempts.

Chalking out a detailed programme for leaders and workers of the alliance, the Chief Minister impressed upon them to organize Akhand paths in villages and towns and pray for peace and brotherhood.

He said the hard-working and resilient workers of the alliance have been custodians of peace and amity and hoped that this tradition would be upheld by them in this present scenario too.

"I am sure every one of you will thwart any attempt aimed at destabilizing peace and tranquility in the state," Badal added.

Coming down heavily on those attempting to gain political mileage out of the issue, the Chief Minister said while on one hand every Sikh was tormented by the "inhuman" acts, on the other some people were trying to score brownie points by unleashing malicious propaganda against the state government.

He said the protests and forcible closures of markets organized by some forces were of no use as they harassed the general public.