Chandigarh
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said hatemongers have no place in Punjab and seeds of hatred don’t bloom on this land, remarks which come days after two groups clashed in Patiala. Anything can be planted in the fertile land of Punjab but not the seeds of hatred, he said addressing a gathering in Malerkotla after offering prayers at the local Idgah on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Mann said, “Punjab’s social bonding is very strong. We live in brotherhood and those who spread hatred find no place here”. “Punjab is the land of gurus, pir, fakirs, poets and martyrs, seeds of hatred don’t bloom here,” he said giving a stern warning to elements trying to disturb peace and harmony of the state. Two groups had clashed on Friday last in Patiala over an anti-Khalistan march, hurling stones at each other and brandishing swords, forcing police to fire in the air to bring the situation under control. Beginning his speech by saying “Assalamualaikum, Eid Mubarak”, Mann said he was happy to come to Malerkotla on the occasion of Eid. He also talked about the significance behind the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The Eid festival symbolises universal brotherhood, peace and amity, he said. In his address, Mann said his government has started taking action against the corrupt and land encroachers. Noting that his government is about 45 days old, he sought time to put the “spoilt system” back on track. “We have started the work to go after those who are corrupt, against the encroachers,” he said, adding, “You will find good results”. Mann said those who looted Punjab will be held accountable and every single penny will be recovered and used in development works and in improving health and education and roads. “You have reposed trust in me and this has added to my responsibility even more,” he said.
