The Dera Sacha Sauda has apologized in the two-week stand off with the Sikhs of Punjab.

The apology to Guru Gobind Singh was issued a short while ago in a press note, reports said. The Dera added it had apologized earlier too.

''We are pained by the developments of the last several days. We are sorry for the misunderstanding and would like to apologize to Guru Gobind Singh,'' the statement said.

''Baba Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim did not try to copy Guru Gobind Singh; he could never imagine doing that''.

The row started after the Dera leader Ram Rahim appeared in newspaper photographs dressed like Guru Gobind Singh.

The Akal Takht, the highest religious body of the Sikhs is likely to meet on Tuesday to discuss the apology.

Ultimatum

The Akal Takht had given the Dera an ultimatum to vacate their ashrams in Punjab by May 27, but the situation in Punjab remained peaceful on Sunday.

Earlier statements from the Dera spokesperson in Sirsa and the Akal Takht jathedar reflected their keenness for a peaceful resolution.

''We are ready for direct talks. We believe any dispute can be resolved through dialogue,'' said Dr Pawan, the Dera's Chief Spokesperson.

''We have always believed in peace. We have asked our people not to issue inflammatory statements''.

Taking no chances

There has been tight security across Punjab all day on Sunday.

The Dera in Salabatpura, the sect's biggest ashram in Punjab, has turned into a fortress with security being provided by Punjab Police and paramilitary forces.

The Salabatpura Dera is among those that had been attacked by Sikh supporters earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Dera leader Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim addressed thousands of followers as usual at the Dera on Sunday.

Memorial ceremony

Thousands of people from across Punjab on Sunday attended the bhog, or the memorial ceremony in Sangrur for the Sikh protestor who was killed in anti-Dera clashes on May 17.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal was present for the ceremony.

The victim's family has appealed to parties not to politicise the tragedy.

''My son was a religious man. He sacrificed his life for the Sikh community. It's very sad that such deaths are being politicized,'' said Bant Singh, the victim's father.

Heavy security arrangements have been made in Sangrur.