Curfew continues for second day in Mansa district in Punjab

Mansa (Punjab), Jan.3 (ANI): Curfew continued for the second day in Bhikhi town of Punjab's Mansa district after a group of Sikhs clashed with followers of another Sikh religious outfit and damaged at least six vehicles, injuring many police personnel.

The situation in the area became tense on Sunday, with Sikh activists accusing Sant Baljit Singh Daduwal, the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, of making derogatory remarks against the head of their religious outfit, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

A large number of Sikh activists reached the congregation venue and attacked the police and followers of Daduwal, forcing the police to take action.

Police baton-charged the protestors and used water canons and teargas shells to control the crowd.

Hardial Singh Mann, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mansa district, said force was used to control the situation.

"A religious congregation was taking place and some outsiders came there. A six-member committee was holding the congregation and during the committee's congregation some outsiders attacked the police personnel on duty and the public gathered in the congregation," said Mann.

"Many of our police personnel were injured and to control the situation we had to use our forces. So, we imposed curfew in the town and law and order will be strictly maintained," he added.

S. S. Doad, the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Mansa district, was also hit on the leg during stone-pelting.

Daduwal has been conducting Sikh religious discourses in Mansa since December 31. (ANI)