Sonia, Rahul appeal for peace in Haryana

Condemning the violence in Haryana, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday expressed "concern and shock", and appealed to maintain peace and harmony.

Sonia Gandhi spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and asked the governments of Haryana and Chandigarh to ensure safety and security of all citizens.

In a statement, she expressed "grave concern and shock at the unabated violence in Panchkula and other parts of Haryana resulting in the death of over two dozen persons including children, widespread destruction of public property and senseless attack on the media".

Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "Violence and brutality have no place in our society. Condemn the rampage and lawlessness in Haryana and appeal to restore peace and tranquility."

The violence in Panchkula erupted after a CBI special court on Friday held controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh guilty of raping and sexually exploiting two female disciples.

--IANS

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