8 including 3 personnels hurt in Dera clashes

Sirsa, Jul 24: Eight people, including three security personnel, were injured in a clash between sikhs and Sacha Sauda followers at Mallawale village, about 30 km from here today, police sources said.

The clash, in which some people opened firing, occured following reports that a sikh, identified as Satpal, son of local Gurdwara Manager Sher Singh, was manhandled and dragged allegedly by Dera Sacha Sauda "premis" (followers). The warring groups pelted stones at each other.

The clash followed cancellation of Sacha Sauda-sponsored satsang at a public place in the village at the intervention of peace committee and district administration.

The situation was described as tense but under control in the area.

UNI