Sanjha Morcha

Sukhbir shown black flags in Fatehgarh Sahib Turbans of SAD, SGPC leaders tossed during scuffle

Sukhbir shown black flags in Fatehgarh Sahib

Protesters chase SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal’s convoy in Fatehgarh Sahib on Monday. Tribune photo

Our Correspondent

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 28

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday faced the wrath of youths and farmers at the historical Fatehgarh Sahib gurdwara, where he had gone to pay obeisance to younger Sahibzadas after the conclusion of Jor Mela.

He was addressing the media in the gurdwara guest house, lashing out at the Centre and state Congress leaders, when a group of youths started raising slogans against him and the Modi government.

Sukhbir’s security guards informed him about the protest outside. The police hurriedly escorted him to his car from the back gate of the gurdwara. The protesters, however, chased his vehicle, raised slogans and showed him black flags.

As soon as Sukhbir left the gurdwara, district SAD president Jagdeep Singh Cheema and other party leaders had a scuffle with protesters. In the melee, the turbans of Cheema and SGPC member Avtar Singh were tossed. The police intervened and managed to calm the tempers.

When contacted, Cheema refused to comment on the matter. All he said was that he was fine. When protesters were probed about the reason for opposing Sukhbir who has been supporting the farmers’ cause, they claimed that the Akalis were hand in glove with the BJP and that they were part of the Central government when the laws were framed.

SSP Amneet Kondal said, “The police had made elaborate security arrangements for Sukhbir’s visit. Mostly youths were protesting. There was no known face of farmers’ unions from the area among protesters. The police are on alert and the situation is under control.”