PUNJAB: The Punjab government on Tuesday announced a compensation for the violence hit Sikh community in Shillong, Meghalaya. Sikhs and their properties were attacked during the clashes between the tribals and Sikhs.

The government approved relaxation in instructions of the Relief and Resettlement Department for providing Rs. 60 lakh as compensation to the Sikh community against damage caused to their properties during violence in Shillong.

A four-member delegation led by Cooperation & Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa visited Shillong for taking stock of damage caused to the properties of the Sikh community during the violence. The delegation conducted detailed deliberations with the members of the community, where certain requests were made by the Sikhs for monetary assistance.

On the return of the delegation from the strife-torn areas of Shillong, a report was submitted regarding the situation including damage and destruction to Sikh owned shops, businesses and a community-run school.

Out of the total amount of Rs. 60 lakh, Rs. 50 lakh has been earmarked be provided to Khalsa Middle School in Bara Bazar for reconstruction as its old building has been declared unsafe.

Similarly, monetary assistance to the tune of Rs 2 lakh would be given to Sangam Singh for loss caused to his shop in violence. Apart from this, Rs. 3 lakh would be given to Gurmeet Singh whose scooty showroom was set on fire during the violence, while Rs. 5 lakh to Satpal Singh whose truck was set ablaze by the attacking mobs.