PM appeals for peace in Punjab

New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday appealed to the people of Punjab to maintain peace and harmony after violence broke out in the state following the death of a Sikh religious leader in a clash in Vienna.

'I am deeply distressed by the outbreak of violence in Punjab following certain incidents in Vienna, Austria. Whatever the provocation, it is important to maintain peace and harmony among different sections of the people,' the prime minister said.

'I appeal to all sections of the people in Punjab to abjure violence and maintain peace. 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,' he added.

Manmohan Singh said Sikhism was about tolerance and harmony and that all the 'revered gurus of Sikhism preached the values of equality, brotherhood and harmony'.

'Invoking the teachings of the gurus, I sincerely appeal to the people of Punjab to heed this message and help the authorities restore peace and order,' the prime minister said.