Ambala: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday held a meeting with Sikh leaders of Haryana to defuse the ongoing tension over the Panjokhra Sahib incident involving anti-Khalistan front leader Gursimran Singh Mand, subsequent arrests of Sikh youths and police action against Sikh protestors including some leaders.A delegation of around 25 Sikh representatives including farmers’ leaders led by HSGMC president Jagdish Singh Jhinda met CM Saini at his residence in Chandigarh. Haryana CID ADGP Saurabh Singh was also present in the meeting.As per the information, CM asked the Sikh leadership to withdraw their call for Panthic gathering at Gurdwara Manji Sahib in Ambala on Aug 25, while assuring that all the FIRs pertaining to the matter would be cancelled and the arrested Sikh youths would be released by Aug 23. The state govt clarified that the FIRs would be cancelled only after completing the due legal and technical procedure, which might take some time.After the meeting, HSGMC president Jhinda, standing along with Haryana CM Saini and other Sikh leaders, announced the cancellation of the Aug 25 Panthic gathering at Ambala.“Taking this matter seriously, CM called us for a resolution. Representatives of all the Sikh bodies including the farmers’ unions have decided by consensus to cancel the Aug 25 Panthic gathering following the assurance by CM. CM has assured to cancel all the cases at the earliest after completing the due legal procedure, that the arrested youths would be bailed out by Aug 23”, said Jagdish Singh Jhinda.Jhinda appealed to the Sikh Sangat not to reach Ambala on Aug 25 as the call to hold the gathering had been cancelled.Jhinda said, “After all the matter is resolved and the cases are cancelled, the matter of Mand who has now offered to apologise through a letter would also be considered. CM would be invited to Panjokhra Sahib on a new date to offer a thanksgiving Ardas programme. It will also be prayed that peace prevails in Haryana besides the Chardi Kala of Haryana CM.”The development came amid heightened tensions following the Aug 7 incident at Panjokhra Sahib, where Mand was allegedly assaulted and his vehicle damaged. The incident subsequently triggered protests by Sikh groups, clashes with police and the registration of cases against several Sikh protesters on Aug 13.Ends