Patiala (Punjab): A clash broke out between two groups near Kali Devi Mandir in Patiala today over an anti-Khalistan march in the city. The two groups came face to face when one of them was preparing to take out the anti-Khalistan march.
Upon receiving information about the clash, SHO Karanvir tried to restrain the two sides and suffered an injury to his hand in the process. Soon after SSP Nanak Singh reached the spot and fired in the air to control the situation. One of the groups Shiv Sena (Bal Thackrey), was allegedly planning to burn an effigy to lodge their protest against the Khalistani movement. Upon knowing this, another group started protesting against the anti-Khalistan march.
Even as police were able to momentarily disburse the two opposing groups, soon after members of the group opposing the march reached a place of religious worship with swords and both sides started pelting stones at each other. During the day, a rumor spread that the SHO's hand has been cut off. However, the Deputy Commissioner of Patiala denied it and said that it was baseless. He urged people not to spread such rumors. Patiala Range IG Rakesh Agarwal said that the situation is now under control.
"The police administration and the civil administration have taken control of the situation. Which we have brought under control. There was a rumor in the media that someone's hand had been amputated but no such incident took place. Stay away from rumors. The atmosphere in the city is as calm as ever," said Agarwal. According to police sources, four persons were injured in the clash.
"A meeting of the organizations has been organized by DC Patiala where the grievances of the related organizations will be removed. The administration is also launching a flag march in the city. That would bring a sense of peace to the city. The investigation is ongoing but upkeep peace in the city. Who fired the shots will be investigated," Agarwal added. A night curfew will be enforced between 7 pm Friday and 6 am Saturday, stated an order issued by Sakshi Sawhney, District Magistrate of Patiala.
Describing the incident as "unfortunate", Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that he had spoken to the DGP and the situation was now under control. "The incident of clashes in Patiala is deeply unfortunate. I spoke with 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. Punjab’s peace and harmony are of utmost importance," tweeted Mann.
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The incident of clashes in Patiala are deeply unfortunate. I spoke with 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. Punjab’s peace and harmony is of utmost importance.
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 29, 2022 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">The incident of clashes in Patiala are deeply unfortunate. I spoke with 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. Punjab’s peace and harmony is of utmost importance.
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 29, 2022The incident of clashes in Patiala are deeply unfortunate. I spoke with 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. Punjab’s peace and harmony is of utmost importance.
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 29, 2022
Taking to twitter Rahul Gandhi urged the Punjab Government to maintain law and order. "Visuals from Patiala are disturbing. I repeat, Peace & Harmony are most imperative in a sensitive border state like Punjab. This is not the place to carry out experiments. Earnestly appeal to the Punjab govt to ensure law and order is maintained," tweeted Gandhi.
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Visuals from Patiala are disturbing.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 29, 2022 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
I repeat, Peace & Harmony are most imperative in a sensitive border state like Punjab. This is not the place to carry out experiments.
Earnestly appeal to the Punjab govt to ensure law and order is maintained.
">Visuals from Patiala are disturbing.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 29, 2022
I repeat, Peace & Harmony are most imperative in a sensitive border state like Punjab. This is not the place to carry out experiments.
Earnestly appeal to the Punjab govt to ensure law and order is maintained.Visuals from Patiala are disturbing.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 29, 2022
I repeat, Peace & Harmony are most imperative in a sensitive border state like Punjab. This is not the place to carry out experiments.
Earnestly appeal to the Punjab govt to ensure law and order is maintained.
However, the Opposition latched on to the incident to target the State government. "Complete collapse of law & order in Pb apart from gross intelligence failure about broad daylight mayhem in Patiala today. It's time BhagwantMann has given a free hand to take decisions! This is what happens when you remote control even the smallest decisions from Delhi. Let Pb model work," tweeted Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
Lashing out at the APP government, Punjab BJP president Ashwani Sharma said that " the Patiala incident is unfortunate. The State Government and police have failed to maintain law and order in the State. All this was going on for ten days, everyone knew. Was it intentionally allowed to happen?"
