Hindu outfits call for Patiala bandh after clash, demand arrest of 'Khalistani supporters'
India Today
Hindu organisations have given the call for a Patiala Bandh and are demanding the arrest of “Khalistani supporters” after clashes broke out in the city after an anti-Khalistan march on Saturday.
Hindu organisations have given the call for a Patiala Bandh and are demanding the arrest of “Khalistani supporters” after clashes broke out in the city over an anti-Khalistan march on Saturday.
In the wake of the Patiala bandh call, Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh met with Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Suraksha Samiti head Giri Ji Mahraj in his office.
Tension has gripped Patiala after two groups clashed outside a Kali Mata temple during a “Khalistan Murdabad” rally and at least four, including two policemen, were injured. Stones were pelted and swords were brandished amidst the altercation.
The Hindu outfits are demanding the arrest of those who tried to enter Kali Mata Mandir and pelted stones near the premises.
Curfew was clamped between 7 pm Friday and 6 am Saturday in Patiala district. The situation is under control at present. There is heavy deployment of police personnel to maintain law and order.
The violence erupted after a group which calls itself the Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) led a "Khalistan Murdabad March" and sparred with a group of Sikh activists, including some Nihangs. The two groups began sloganeering and throwing stones at each other.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann summoned a high-level meeting of officers after the clash. The CM later said he has ordered a probe into the clash and given strict instructions that not a single culprit is spared.
