Punjab unrest: Rajnath Singh speaks to Parkash Singh Badal, promises help

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: Concerned over desecration of Sikh holy books in Punjab, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today spoke to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and assured him "all possible help" from the centre to meet the situation that has arisen because of these incidents.

"Spoke to CM Shri Prakash Singh Badal who apprised me of the prevailing situation in Punjab. Assured him of all possible help from the Centre," Rajnath tweeted.

During the conversation, Singh conveyed to Badal that the central government was concerned over the situation in Punjab and asked the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to maintain peace in the state, sources said. He promised all help to defuse the tension prevailing in the state.

Singh later apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the Punjab situation and details of his conversation with Badal.

Punjab is witnessing unrest over the incidents of sacrilege in different parts of the state. It has seen a spate of protests last week and two persons lost their lives in police action.

Opposition Congress is claiming that law and order in the state has collapsed and President's Rule should be imposed immediately.

Akal Takht - the supreme temporal seat of sikhs, as also SGPC, Badal, Congress leaders and harliners have already appealed for peace in the state.