New Delhi: Patiala remains on the edge a day after violent clashes broke out between two groups over anti-Khalistani march in the city, leaving four injured including 2 policemen.
While the city remains under curfew, some unidentified miscreants created fresh trouble as a Khalistani flag was hoisted just outside the DC office in Malerkotla. On the As the footage surfaced on social media, it created a flutter and police swiftly removed it. The intelligence agencies have intensified their operation and are on the lookout to nab the culprits.
#Khalistan flag hoisted at DC office Malerkotla in #Punjab on friday pic.twitter.com/ajLP9d2jTr
— Harpinder Singh (@HarpinderTohra) April 29, 2022
Punjab Police is not taking the incident lightly as there are inklings of conspiracy behind it. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistani group recently made a call for agitation for creation of ‘separate state’. SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu reportedly made a video appeal to people to raise their voice for ‘Khalistan’.
Top cops transferred, call for bandh
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has taken stern action against top police officials for being unable to control the violence that unleashed on Patiala streets. Inspector general of police (Patiala Range), Senior superintendent of police and the superintendent of police have been transferred from post. While curfew was relaxed this morning, mobile internet & SMS services have been suspended to prevent rumour-mongering.
The right wing outfits have given a call for bandh and demanded arrest of ‘Khalistani supporters’ while the group which calls itself Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) is also under the scanner for alleged role in clashes.
Clashes broke out yesterday, as the Shiv Sena took out a ‘Khalistan Murdabad march’ and in response to that Khalistani sympathisers including Nihang Sikhs took out a counter march. Both groups indulged in stone-pelting and slogan shouting, leading to injury to 4 people including 2 policemen.
#WATCH | Punjab: A clash broke out between two groups near Kali Devi Mandir in Patiala today.
Police personnel deployed at the spot to maintain law and order situation. pic.twitter.com/yZv2vfAiT6
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2022
