Press Trust of India / New Delhi May 25, 2009, 12:41 IST
Viewing the violence in a Vienna gurdwara as a "disturbing" development, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today said the government will ensure that perpetrators of the "completely mindless" and "wanton act" are brought to justice.
As he assumed charge of the ministry, Krishna said the government is in touch with Austrian authorities and is closely monitoring the situation.
"It is a very unfortunate and disturbing development that 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," he told reporters here.
He expressed grief over the killing of Sant Ramanand in the clash. Underlining that there is no place for violence in a secular society like India, Krishna said there can be "no excuse whatsoever for violation of the sanctity of the sacred premises of the gurdwara to subserve narrow sectarian interests and other purposes."
The External Affairs Minister said the government is "determined to ensure that the perpetrators of this completely mindless and wanton act are brought to justice."
Sant Ramanand, a Dera head visiting Vienna, was killed and 30 were injured in the clash yesterday. The fight erupted following a dispute over the sermon given by a priest from Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha.
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