Shiv Sena & pro-Khalistani activists clashes at Patiala

|HT|

Tension gripped Punjab's Patiala town on Friday after Shiv Sena and pro-Khalistani activists clashed by throwing stones at each other and brandishing swords, prompting police to fire in the air to bring the situation near the local Kali Devi Temple under control. The trouble began when radical Sikh elements came out in large numbers to oppose the Khalistan Murdabad March organised by the Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray).

Harish Singla, the Punjab unit executive president of the right-wing outfit, led the anti-separatist march from Patiala's Arya Samaj Chowk to Kali Devi Temple. Amid slogan-raising, Singla said: "The Shiv Sena will never allow Khalistan to be formed in Punjab or anywhere in India."

Singla said banned outfit Sikhs for Justice convener Gurpatwant Pannu had led calls to mark the foundation day of Khalistan on April 29.

The Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) march was organised to oppose Pannu’s call.

At the same time, a large number of Khalistan supporters reached the spot and both sides began throwing stones at each other. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann tweeted the state government was closely monitoring the situation and called the violence 'deeply unfortunate'.

"The incident of clashes in Patiala are deeply unfortunate. I spoke with the DGP, peace has been restored in the area. We are closely monitoring the situation and will not let anyone create disturbance in the State. Punjab’s peace and harmony is of utmost importance," he tweeted. Patiala senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nanak Singh reached the spot and 15 rounds were fired in the air to bring the situation under control.

A Hindu activist, Ashutosh Gautam, and station house officer Karamvir Singh were among those injured. The situation continues to remain tense as Khalistan supporters are gathered outside the Kali Mata temple, where Shiv Sena leaders were camped.

The police tried to dissuade the Sikh activists but they were adamant on opposing the Shiv Sena protest against Khalistan.

The anti-riot force was requisitioned to control the situation.

The district administration has appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. Even if there is any dispute or misunderstanding, it is important to resolve it by dialogue, deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said, urging people not to fall prey to unsubstantiated information and social media forwards

Meanwhile, the Congress' Partap Singh Bajwa has slammed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and chief minister Mann, calling the events ‘complete anarchy'. "Disturbing visuals from Patiala. It’s high time Punjab CM gets his house in order. Law & order has collapsed in past month with one incident after the other. CM should immediately visit Patiala with DGP Punjab," he tweeted.

(Except for the headline and the pictorial description, this story has not been edited by THE DEN staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)