Dozen injured in clash between Dera and Sikh activists

Sirsa, July 16 (UNI) About a dozen people were feared injured today in a clash between followers of Dera Sacha Sauda and Sikh activists at Ghukawali village about 25 km from here.

The clash occurred when the Dera chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh, on his way to the Dera headquarters here after successfully holding 'satsang' (prayer meetings), made a halt at Ghukawali village for addressing a religious gathering.

As soon as the Dera Chief's cavalcade reached Ghukawali, Sikh protesters who had gathered there tried to prevent the meeting and the Dera followers resisted their attempts.

Several people were injured in the clash while the RAF, deployed at the spot in the morning as a precautionary measure, tried to contain the violence.

Senior police officers rushed to the spot on receiving the reports. The situation would not be allowed to go beyond control, police sources said.

UNI