HSGMC members clash with police in Kurukshetra

Chandigarh, Aug 6: Tension escalated in Haryana's Kurukshetra district on Wednesday as members of newly formed HSGMC clashed with police after they "forcefully" tried to take control of a gurdwara, where Amritar-based SGPC task force personnel were already present in large numbers.

"As members of HSGMC made a forceful attempt to enter gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi here, police used water canons, tear gas shells and cane charge to disperse the agitated members," Kurukshetra Superintendent of Police Ashwin Shenvi said.

"Police personnel were targeted by HSGMC members after they were stopped from marching towards the gurdwara... they pelted stones on security personnel and also indulged in scuffle," he said. In the melee, at least five cops were injured, he said adding that the situation was brought under control after half-an-hour.

Meanwhile, Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Vice President Didar Singh Nalwi alleged that police used force on members of the newly formed body without any provocation. "Several of HSGMC members were injured and some vehicles too were also damaged as HSGMC members were chased away by police," he said.

He said that the situation became tense when some 400 people owing allegiance to Amritsar-based SGPC reached the gurdwara.

"When the people from Amritsar-based SGPC were entering into the gurdwara, some persons started pelting stones. Suddenly police used force on HSGMC members who ran for cover," he said adding that some of HSGMC members were injured in the clash. "We will decide the next course of action after taking stock of situation," he said.

PTI