AMN
Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh are on high alert in view of the verdict to be pronounced by the Panchkula CBI court Friday in a sexual exploitation case against Sirsa Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Heavy security force have been deployed in sensitive areas of Punjab and Haryana.
The prohibitory orders have been issued under section 144 to restrict the movement of Dera followers as well as to keep the situation in control if verdict comes against Dera chief.Punjab government offices in Chandigarh and Haryan government offices in Panchkula will remain closed tomorrow as notified by the government of both states.
The schools, colleges and universities have also been closed in both states and Chandigarh.
A day ahead of expected verdict, Punjab and Haryana High Court today asked Haryana government to ensure security in the state and make arrangement to send back the Dera followers gathered at Panchkula.
The bench of Justice S S Srow, Justice Suryakant and Justice Avneet Jhingan, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation also asked Dera Sacha Sauda to appeal to its supporters to leave Panchkula.
The court was not satisfied with security arrangements and questioned how Dera followers reached Panchkula when section 144 was imposed.
The counsel for the Dera ensured the high court that peace would not be disturbed. The High court also asked the centre to ensure the required number of companies of paramilitary force reach by night.
Meanwhile, around 130 companies of paramilitary forces have reached in Punjab and Haryana and 37 more companies are about to reach.In Punjab only 87 companies have been deployed in the sensitive district, while 10 more companies are expected to reach. The Police force is also keeping vigil.
The movement of Pepsu Roadways Transport buses from Punjab to Haryana has been suspended.
Haryana has also suspended movement of buses between Delhi and Chandigarh. However Volvo buses from Chandigarh will continue to move.
The northern railway has also suspended movement of around 30 trains including Ambala-Nangal Dam, Bathinda- Ambala passenger, Bhiwani-Kalka Himalyan queen, Ambala-Kalka and Barner-Haridwar express.
Mobile internet services have also been suspended for 72 hours in both the states and their joint capital Chandigarh. The senior officers of police are keeping close eye on social media to check the rumours.
Meanwhile Ram Rahim Singh has said that he would appear in person before the special CBI court tomorrow and appealed to his followers to maintain peace.
