The district administration today relaxed the curfew for five hours in and around Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa, after restrictions were imposed on August 24.

Petrol pumps, shops and other commercial establishments were allowed to open in the area.

"I was not able to purchase essential items for my household since Thursday night due to imposition of curfew. I will buy sufficient stock of such items," Surender Soni, a resident of Begu area near Dera headquarters said.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in Sirsa on Thursday in view of the rape case judgment against sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Yesterday, several Dera followers made their way out of the sprawling sect premises after police urged them to vacate the place.

Around one lakh people, including women and children, were present in the sect headquarters. -- PTI

IMAGE: An Army jawan stands gaurd after deployment near Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa on Saturday, following violence triggered by the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo