Violent clashes broke out between pro-Khalistan goons and workers of the Shiv Sena during a procession near Kali Mata temple in Patiala on Friday, following which stones were hurled and swords were brandished. Four persons were injured in the incident and a curfew was imposed in the area.
The clash broke out when the Shiv Sena was carrying out a march, under the supervision of Punjab Shiv Sena working president Harish Singla, without permission.
The “Khalistan Murdabad” march started from Arya Samaj Chowk under the supervision of Singla. Shiv Sainiks came out raising the slogan of “Khalistan Murdabad”. Singla said that the Shiv Sena would never allow Khalistan to be formed in Punjab and would not allow any Khalistani to start riots in Punjab. Meanwhile, some pro Khalistani organisations also came on the road waving swords and the situation became tense with stone-pelting also taking place.
While slogans were raised in support of Khalistan from one side, on the other side slogans of Khalistan Murdabad were also raised.
Police personnel were deployed at the spot to bring the situation under control and maintain law and order in the city. The SSP reached the spot and fired in the air.
After this, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann tweeted, “The incident of clash in Patiala is very 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.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the Punjab government to ensure law and order was maintained in the state. “Visuals from Patiala are disturbing. I repeat, Peace and Harmony are imperative in a sensitive border state like Punjab. This is not the place to carry out experiments. Earnestly appeal to the Punjab government to ensure law and order is maintained,” the Congress leader said in a tweet.
Former Punjab Chief Minister and Punjab Lok Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh tweeted: “Concerned about the tense situation arising due to clashes between 2 groups in Patiala. People of Patiala are peace loving and I appeal to them not to get provoked. Hope that Punjab Police will take firm action and ensure that law and order is maintained.”
The Patiala DSP said, “Police have been deployed in view of the law and order problem here. We are talking to Shiv Sena (one of the two groups) chief Harish Singla as they did not have permission to march.”
A curfew has been imposed in Patiala after four persons were left injured. The curfew will remain in force from 7 pm on Friday till 6 am on Saturday (April 30).