Shiv Sena leader arrested in connection with Patiala clashes

Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla was arrested on Friday in connection with the clash that broke out near Kali Devi Mandir in Patiala.

Two people were injured when stones were hurled as two groups clashed over an “anti-Khalistan march” here on Friday. Police fired in the air to bring the situation under control.

The clash took place outside the Kali Mata temple when members of an outfit that calls itself “Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray)” began a "Khalistan Murdabad March".

Some Sikh activists, including Nihangs, took out another march against the Sena event.

Near the Kali Mata temple, the two groups came face to face and hurled stones at each other. The temple gates were locked and police deployed in large numbers to prevent the situation from escalating further in the city, police said.

Two people, including a policeman, were injured, in the stone-pelting, they added.

A Sena leader said the outfit had planned the march as a reply to the announcement by Sikhs for Justice to mark the ‘foundation day of Khalistan” on April 29.

Patiala Inspector General of Police Rakesh Agarwal told reporters here 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 the priority for police at present.

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

"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.

(With PTI inputs)

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