CHANDIGARH:Punjab Congress MLA Ramanjit Singh Sikki representing Khadoor Sahib has resigned from the Assembly citing as reason the hurt feelings over the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. Also, the Shiromani Akali Dal received a blow as Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, member of its high-power political affairs committee, resigned from the party’s primary membership.
Sikki, who belongs to Opposition Congress and is close to former Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh, has mailed his resignation to the Speaker. However, technically, it has to be a one-line resignation to be delivered to the Speaker personally.
Sikhs protesting against the desecration of the holy book continued their agitation on Sunday, blocking roads at several spots in the state. Khalistan banner was spotted at a protest venue near Harike barrage.
The day and night blockade of the Harike bridge continued, though one Puran Singh of Dholan Thathi village died at the dharna site on Sunday.
Protesting leaders Panthpreet Singh and Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale had said that the road blockade would be for three hours from 10 am to 1 pm for the next seven days so that common man does not suffer. However, it did not have any impact at Harike, going by the large gathering. Protestors staged demonstrations on Jalandhar-Kapurthala, Patiala and Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway and also served langar on the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway. They also staged protests on Ghanaur-Patiala highway.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Tota Singh cancelled his scheduled programme in Moga, after protestors carrying black flags started raising slogans before his arrival at the venue and forced cancellation of the programme.