Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla was on Friday arrested in connection with the clashes that broke out in Punjab’s Patiala on Friday during a march against “pro-Khalistani elements”, ANI reported. The move came hours after the Shiv Sena said it has expelled Singla, who is the Punjab unit working president, for “anti-party” activities.
The clash erupted between members of Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) group, Nihangs and Sikh activists, The Indian Express reported. The Nihangs, an order of Sikh warriors, marched towards the Kali Mata temple while shouting “pro-Khalistan” slogans to counter the Shiv Sena’s protest march, according to the newspaper.
The police fired blank shots in the air in an attempt to bring the situation under control. However, the Nihangs and Sikhs were unrelenting and the police had struggled to control them.
“The tension started following rumours that some of the protesters had been attacked,” said Patiala Range Inspector General of Police Rakesh Aggarwal.
Visuals on social media showed Nihang Sikhs waving swords in the air.
At least two residents are reportedly injured in the clashes as members of the two groups hurled stones at one another, according to NDTV. A curfew has been imposed from 7 pm till 6 am on Saturday in the city, according to The Tribune.
As of 3 pm, the situation was under control, Agarwal said, PTI reported. “We have called force from outside,” he said. “A peace committee meeting has been called by the deputy commissioner.”
The Shiv Sena did not have permission for the march, the deputy superintendent of police said, reported ANI.
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney appealed for peace and also not to lend credence to any rumours. “We are conducting a flag march in Patiala city,” Agarwal added.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the incident as “deeply unfortunate”.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will not let anyone create disturbance in the state,” Mann said in a tweet. “Punjab’s peace and harmony is of utmost importance.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the visuals from Patiala are disturbing. “I repeat, peace and harmony are most imperative in a sensitive border state like Punjab,” he said in a tweet. “This is not the place to carry out experiments.”
He asked the Punjab government to maintain law and order.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa castigated the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and Mann for the situation. “Complete anarchy in the state,” he said.
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