Thousands of supporters of a convicted self-proclaimed guru have
ended a standoff with soldiers in India, a day before his sentencing
which many fear could result in further violence.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, 50, was on Friday found guilty of raping two
of his followers in 2002, a verdict that sent thousands of angry protesters
rioting against the ruling in the streets.
At least 30 people were killed in the violence, more than 100 people were
injured, and more than 500 were arrested.
Judges are expected to sentence Singh on Monday. He faces seven years
to life in prison.
Singh's group, Dera Sacha Sauda, has millions of followers.
Surjeet Singh, police spokesperson, said a curfew imposed in
Sirsa town, where the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters is located, was 
relaxed for five hours on Sunday to help people buy food and other 
essential items and outsiders to return home.

Fears of further violence

The presence of nearly 10,000 people in the headquarters has raised
fears they may turn violent again after their leader is sentenced.
India's prime minister condemned the recent mayhem and warned
against more clashes.
"People who take the law in their hands or take to violence will not be
spared, no matter who they are," Narendra Modi said on Sunday in his
monthly radio address, referring to the recent clashes.
"India is the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Buddha. Violence is
not acceptable in the nation, in any form."
Singh has been convicted of raping two of his female followers in 2002 [File: AFP]
The judge will hold the proceedings in a prison in Rohtak town,
where Singh has been detained since Friday amid tight security.
Singh said hundreds of government forces, including the army, have
 been posted outside the group's headquarters since Friday's violence,
 when mobs set fire to government buildings, vandalised bus stations
and government vehicles and attacked police and TV journalists in
Panchkula.
Singh had denied the charges of raping the two women at his ashram
15 years ago.
Members of the group campaign for vegetarianism and against
drug addiction.
They have also taken up social causes such as organising the
weddings of poor couples.

Huge followings

Groups such as Dera Sacha Sauda have huge followings in India and
their leaders often maintain private militias for protection.
Clashes in 2007 between the Dera Sacha Sauda followers and
members of the Sikh faith left at least three people dead in northern India.
In 2014, six people were killed when followers of another religious
leader, the guru Rampal, fought street battles with police who were
attempting to arrest him after he repeatedly failed to appear in court
 in connection with a murder trial.
Source: News agencies