Stones were hurled and swords were brandished as two groups clashed near Kali Mata temple in Patiala, Punjab on Friday. The incident happened when the Shiv Sena was carrying out a march, under the supervision of Punjab Shiv Sena working president Harish Singla, against Khalistani groups in Patiala.
Members of a Sikh organization and that of a Hindu organisation clashed with each other during the rally. Several people from the crowd even raised slogans, escalating tension in the area.
Shiv Sainiks shouted slogans of “Khalistan Murdabad”, following which some members of Sikh organizations took to the streets, wielding swords and raised slogans in favor of Khalistan. The situation became tense as both groups started pelting stones.
It is worth mentioning that Gurpatwant Pannu, Convenor of Sikhs for Justice had announced to celebrate the foundation day of Khalistan on 29th April. In response to this, the Khalistan Murdabad march was started from Arya Samaj Chowk in Patiala under the supervision of Harish Singla, the Punjab working head of Shiv Sena Balthakare. According to the information, Khalistan supporters attacked the SHO with a sword. Over one dozen rounds of aerial fire have been fired by the police to bring the situation under control. A large number of Khalistana supporters have gathered outside the Kali Mata temple.
Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney called for peace and urged people “to not fall prey to unsubstantiated news”.
“The District Administration appeals to all brothers and sisters of Patiala and Punjab to continue to maintain peace and brotherhood,” Sakshi Sawhney said.