Patiala clash: Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla arrested

New Delhi, Apr 29: Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla has been arrested by the Patiala cops in connection with a clash that broke out in the city on Friday which left two injured, reports ANI.

"After a high-level meeting was chaired by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla has been arrested, in connection with the clash that broke out near Kali Devi Mandir in Patiala today," ANI tweeted.

Two people were injured when stones were hurled as two groups clashed over an "anti-Khalistan march". Police fired in the air to bring the situation under control.
The clash took place outside the Kali Mata temple when members of an outfit that calls itself "Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray)" began a "Khalistan Murdabad March". Some Sikh activists, including Nihangs, took out another march against the Sena event.

Near the Kali Mata temple, the two groups came face to face and hurled stones at each other. The temple gates were locked and police deployed in large numbers to prevent the situation from escalating further in the city, police said.

Two people, including a policeman, were injured, in the stone-pelting, they added. A Sena leader said the outfit had planned the march as a reply to the announcement by Sikhs for Justice to mark the 'foundation day of Khalistan" on April 29.

Patiala Inspector General of Police Rakesh Agarwal told reporters here that the situation was now under control. "We have called force from outside. A peace committee meeting has been called by the Deputy Commissioner," he said, adding restoring peace in the area was the priority for police at present.

Asked about the incident, IG Agarwal said the incident took place as "some mischievous elements had spread some rumours. We have controlled the situation. We are also conducting a flag march in Patiala city". Asked how many people have been injured in the incident, Agarwal said police are still checking it.

The "Khalistan Murdabad March" was organised by "Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray)" leader Harish Singla. The march started from Arya Samaj Chowk with the Sena activists raising the "Khalistan Murdabad" slogan.

Singla said Gurpatwant Pannun of the Sikhs for Justice had announced to observe April 29 as the "foundation day of Khalistan". "To answer them, the Sena had also decided to take out 'Khalistan Murdabad March' on April 29," he said.

Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said, "We appeal to all to maintain calm and not to lend credence to any rumour." "Peace and harmony are central to all our religions and their basic ethos. Even if there is any dispute or misunderstanding, it is important to resolve it by dialogue," Sawhney said in a statement.

"The Patiala district administration appeals to all brothers and sisters of Patiala and Punjab to continue to maintain peace and brotherhood," she said. "The present situation is under control and being continuously monitored. All measures are being taken to ensure peace and harmony," she added. PTI