Punjab: Clashes In Patiala After Sword Wielding Pro-Khalistan Activists Pelt Stones At Shivsena Cadres Near Kali Devi Temple

Tension prevailed in Punjab's Patiala on Friday after Shiv Sena cadres and pro-Khalistani activists clashed with each other prompting police to fire in the air to bring the situation near the local Kali Devi Temple under control.

The trouble began when radical Sikh elements objected to a Khalistan Murdabad March organised by the local unit of Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray). The march was planned from Arya Samaj Chowk to Kali Devi Temple.

Harish Singla, the Punjab unit executive president of Shiva Sena said that the march was organised in response to calls by banned Sikhs for Justice convener Gurpatwant Pannu to mark the foundation day of Khalistan on April 29.

Objecting to the march, Khalistan activists gathered outside the Kali Mata temple.

In a video of the clashed that was shared on social media, a radical Khalistani activist is seen standing atop a building near a temple and throwing stones as heavy commotion was heard in the backdrop. The pro-Khalistan supporters are seen brandished swords and pelting stones at Shiv Sena workers.

There was heavy police deployment at the spot to maintain a law and order situation.

Patiala Inspector General of Police Rakesh Agarwal told reporters in Patiala that the situation was now under control.

''We have called force from outside. A Peace committee meeting has been called by the Deputy Commissioner,'' he said, adding restoring peace in the area was their priority.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed the incident unfortunate and said he was in touch with the DGP of Punjab police.

''The incident of clashes in Patiala is deeply unfortunate. I have spoken to the DGP; peace has been restored in the area. We are closely monitoring the situation and will not let anyone create disturbance in the state,'' Mann said in a tweet.

He said Punjab's peace and harmony are of utmost importance.

(With Inputs from PTI)