10 injured in Sikh-Dera Saccha Sauda clashes in Ganganagar

Sriganganagar, May 15 (UNI) Ten people including two policemen were injured here today following violent clashes between Sikhs and Dera Saccha Sauda followers.

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Collectorate area here to defuse the tension.

District Collector Bhawani Singh Detha said the police had to burst teargas shells and baton-charge on the agitated crowd which started pelting stones and attacked each other with lathis.

He said at least eight people including two policemen sustained serious injuries. However, the unofficial figure stands at 15.

Tension erupted as picture of Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh alias Premiji resembling Sikh Guru Gobind Singh appeared, enraging Sikhs. They then decided to burn Premiji's effigy.

Police sources and eyewitnesses said Dera Saccha Sauda followers armed with batons and stones gathered at the Ganga Singh Chowk at Collectorate early morning. As the Sikhs burnt the effigy of Premiji, Dera Saccha Sauda followers pelted stones at them.

Both the communities fought pitched battles with batons and stones.

Sikhs being lesser in numbers took refuge in Collectorate premises but were followed inside. Police had to resort to teargas shells to disperse the crowd and later promulgated CrPC 144 in the area.

One SHO and another policeman were injured in the clash while others injured include a few women.

According to sources, the injured inlcude Akali Dal (Badal) state chief Surjeet Singh Kang and Baba Jeet Singh Gurudwara chief savadar Tejendra Pal Singh.

Mr Detha said efforts were on to diffuse the tension between the two sects.

UNI