Farmers, activists intensify sacrilege law stir in Samana

Patiala: Farmers and religious activists on Wednesday intensified their indefinite protest in Samana, demanding a stricter national law against sacrilege of religious symbols and scriptures, and named the site ‘Dharam Yuddha Morcha'.The protest centres on Sikh activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who has been protesting with the same demand on top of a 400-foot-high telecom tower since Oct 12, 2024.The agitation escalated after Beadabi Morcha coordinator Gurpreet Singh called on supporters to mobilise in large numbers in solidarity with Khalsa. On Tuesday, farmer groups, including SKM (Non-Political), joined the protest at Samana. However, over 200 protesters were detained by police in Sangrur and Patiala districts while on their way to the protest site.A minor scuffle later broke out between police and protesters when the agitators attempted to stage a sit-in at Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Chowk in the town.Protest leaders argued that existing legal provisions lacked the deterrent strength needed to prevent repeated incidents of sacrilege. "We will not budge until the govt initiates a tougher legal framework," said Gurpreet Singh, morcha coordinator.Despite heavy police deployment, protesters continued their sit-in at Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Chowk, raising slogans and demanding immediate legislative action. Police held talks with the agitators, but these remained inconclusive.SP Vaibhav Chaudhary said discussions were held on a positive note and protesters were requested to shift to their designated site instead of blocking the chowk and roads, which were affecting traders, shopkeepers and commuters. He added that another round of talks would be held soon.