Dera riots: Chidambaram assures full support to Punjab MPs

Home Minister P Chidambaram today assured a delegation of Punjab MPs that all logistical support including Army, paramilitary and helicopters is being provided to Punjab government to deal with violence that erupted in the state in the wake of the attack on Dera leaders in Vienna.    

"The Home Minister apprised us of the situation and said all appropriate steps are being taken. The government of India is closely in touch with Punjab government. Peace and stability will be restored as soon as possible," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters after the meeting.    

The delegation was led by Union Minister Ambika Soni.Tewari said 14 companies of paramilitary and five columns of the Army have been deployed. Another 11 columns of the Army are being sent while helicopters are also being provided.    

"The Home Minister has directed the Punjab DGP to effectively and rigorously implement the curfew order," Tewari said.The situation is being watched on an hour-to-hour basis, he added.    

The delegation met the Home Minister in the wake of violent incidents that took place in Jalandhar and areas in Punjab and Haryana after the head of a Dera sect was attacked in a Gurudwara in Vienna yesterday.