Indian PM calls for restraint; govt in touch with Austrian

New Delhi, May 25 (PTI) Expressing distress at the
killing of a Sikh sect leader in Vienna, the Indian government
Monday said it was in touch with Austrian authorities to
ensure that those guilty of violence in the gurdwara there
were brought to book and asked the people of Punjab to
exercise restraint.

While appealing to the people for calm and restraint,
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he was "deeply
distressed over the outbreak of violence in Punjab after the
Vienna incident. Whatever the provocation, it is important to
maintain peace and harmony among different sections of the
people."

Invoking the preachings of the Sikh Gurus, Singh said "in
areas where curfew has been imposed, it is necessary that
people should go back to their homes and allow the security
forces to restore law and order."

Soon after assuming charge, External Affairs Minister S M
Krishna said the government was in touch with Austrian
authorities and closely monitoring the situation.

The government, he said, was "determined to ensure that
the perpetrators of this completely mindless and wanton act
are brought to justice."

"Two groups of people owing allegiance to different
families have set up confrontation amongst themselves and let
the gurdwara to be made the place where attacks and counter
attacks have taken place," Krishna said.

Sant Ramanand, a Dera head who was visiting Vienna, was
killed and 30 others were also injured in the clash yesterday.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal also appealed
for calm and asked people not to be provoked by elements
spreading unrest. PTI ARC
PMR