Patiala : Violent clash between Shiv Sena, Khalistan supporters in Patiala, curfew imposed
Patiala: Violent clashes broke out between members of Shiv Sena led by Harish Singla and supporters of Khalistan outside Kali Mata temple in Punjab’s Patiala city. In an attempt to stop the clash, the police had to open fire in the air, after a lot of effort, the situation was brought under control. At the same time, now curfew has been imposed. police gave this information. Patiala Range Inspector General of Police Rakesh Agarwal told the media that the situation is under control and heavy police force has been deployed. “The tension started after rumors that some protesters had been attacked,” he said.
Witnesses told the police that Nihangs, who had gathered in front of the Dukh Nivaran Sahib Gurdwara to protest against Shiv Sena’s Khalistan ‘Murdabad March’, marched towards the temple raising pro-Khalistan slogans.Police said a police officer was injured while trying to stop the Nihangs going towards the temple. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed the incident of clashes as highly condemnable and extremely unfortunate. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in strong words appealed to the people to maintain law and order at all costs besides maintaining long traditional love, peace, brotherhood and harmony.
Expressing anguish, he called upon the people to exercise restraint in this hour of crisis and extend full support and cooperation to the police and civil authorities.He clearly said that no one will be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace and communal harmony in the state.
Mann tweeted, “The incident of clash in Patiala is extremely unfortunate. I spoke to the DGP, peace has been restored in the area. We are closely monitoring the situation and will not allow anyone to create disturbance in the state.” The peace and harmony of Punjab is of utmost importance.”Reiterating his government’s firm commitment, he said, “Nothing should be done to disturb the peaceful atmosphere, as we are all morally committed to make Punjab the most peaceful, harmonious and prosperous state in the country.”
As a precautionary measure, curfew has been imposed till Saturday morning.Shiv Sena working president Singla led the Khalistan Murdabad march from Arya Samaj Chowk to Kali Devi Mandir. They were raising slogans against Khalistan.Singla said, “Shiv Sena will not allow Khalistan to be formed in Punjab or anywhere in India. He also said that the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu had called for April 29 to mark the foundation day of Khalistan. “Reacting to the clash, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advised the AAP government that peace and harmony is the most important thing in a sensitive border state. “Punjab is not the place to experiment.”
Former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said, “I am concerned about the tense situation that has arisen due to clashes between two groups in Patiala. People of Patiala are peace loving and I appeal to them not to get agitated. Hope the Punjab Police is strict. Will take action and ensure that law and order is maintained.”
BJP leader Harjit Singh Grewal said that action should be taken against both the parties. Pic Credit:ANI