Tight security across Punjab for Dera leader's cremation

Dera Sachkhand leader Sant Rama Nand, whose death in a shooting incident in Vienna [ Images ] triggered large-scale violence in Punjab [ Images ], will be cremated on Thursday with full state honours, amid tight security in Ballan.

The body of the Dera leader was brought to Ballan, 15 kms from Jalandhar [ Images ], early today morning by a special flight from Vienna for the last rites. Many sect followers gathered to pay their last respects to the leader.

Tight security arrangements were put in place for his cremation even as the Sikh sect issued an appeal to followers to maintain peace and harmony.

Dera Sach Khand Ballan chief Niranjan Dass, who was injured in the Vienna incident, also returned home by the same flight.