Satlok Ashram sealed by Haryana govt; protests still on

ROHTAK:The disputed Satlok Ashram was today sealed by Haryana government after nearly 3,000 followers of self-styled godman Rampal vacated the site in Karontha village, but protestors refused to lift dharna demanding that it be demolished.

Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Vikas Gupta and SSP Vivek Sharma visited the dharna spot to inform the protestors that the Ashram had been vacated and sealed by the district administration.

But Arya Pratinidhi Sabha spokesman Acharya Baldev told them they were not satisfied and would continue their protest till the Ashram is demolished.

Satlok Ashram, a cause of dispute between Arya Samajis and Rampal's followers, was the site of violent clashes on Sunday in which three persons were killed and over 100, including 50 policemen, injured.

The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha also refused cremate the body of Promila, who was killed in the clash, till their leaders, who were arrested in connection with the violence, were released.

A government spokesman said, "The ashram has been vacated by the hundreds of followers of self-styled godman Rampal," and maintained that there was calm now.

After the order to vacate the ashram, nearly 3,000 followers, camping inside the Ashram since three days, yesterday left in several Haryana Roadways buses which were pressed into service for the purpose, officials said.

Gupta said an appeal had been made to the people to vacate the area surrounding Satlok Ashram and return home.

Villagers and Arya Samaj activists have been staging protests to mount pressure on the state government to order closure of the Ashram, headed by Rampal.

They are also demanding adequate financial assistance for the families whose members were killed in the clashes.

Arya Samaj activists had earlier placed Promila's body near a village road and said they would not cremate it till the Ashram was cleared of Rampal's supporters.

The row over possession of Satlok Ashram took a violent turn on Sunday when police tried to stop activists of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha from marching towards the Ashram.

Three people were killed and over 100, including 50 policemen, injured in the violence.

Tension has been brewing in the area for quite some time as the Arya Samajis claim the ownership of the Ashram by Rampal is illegal.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has ordered a probe by an Additional District Magistrate into the clash and announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of one of the deceased.

He has said action would be taken against those found guilty of indulging in violence.