Bus passengers will be provided security: Mann

CHANDIGARH, Jan 9: The Shiv Sena’s threat to disrupt the Delhi-Lahore bus service, which made its successful `dry run’ yesterday, and the India-Pakistan cricket matches will not be allowed to be carried out in Punjab, Akali Dal (Mann) President Simaranjit Singh Mann said today. “We will give full protection to the passengers travelling by the bus during its journey through Punjab. If they tried to disrupt the bus service in Punjab, Shiv Sainiks would be given a fitting reply,” Mann said.

Condemning the Shiv Sainiks for digging up the pitch at the Ferozshah Kotla ground in Delhi, Mann said, “Pakistan is welcome to play at any place in Punjab. Our party activists will ensure that the Sena does not disrupt the match.”

Mann regretted the US withdrawal of the visa issued to Akal Takht jathedar Ranjit Singh, on the grounds that he was a convicted person. It was strange that Ranjit Singh should be denied the visa, as several “convicted world leaders” had been allowed to visit other countries, Mann said.