Patiala 'Khalistan' clash: curfew imposed; Shiv Sena (BT) leader arrested; Congress, BJP slam AAP

Following violent clashes in Punjab's Patiala, curfew was imposed in the city from 7 pm on April 29, to 6 am on April 30. Clashes occurred outside the Kali Mata temple in Patiala during an anti-Khalistan protest rally.

The march was being conducted by an outfit called Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray). It clashed with another group, some of whose members carried swords. At least four people were injured, including two police personnel.

Hours later, the group's leader Harish Singla was arrested by Punjab police for allegedly taking out the procession without permission, and instigating violence. Singla said he had planned the anti-Khalistan march to counter a "Khalistan Foundation Day" celebration on April 29 announced by Sikhs For Justice, a banned, pro-Khalistan group.

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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann called the clashes "deeply unfortunate". Mann said that he spoke to the state police chief and that peace had been restored.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that peace is most important in a sensitive border state like Punjab. During the recent elections, the Congress had accused the Aam Aadmi Party of encouraging separatist elements for electoral gain.

The BJP also slammed the AAP government. RP Singh said, "Arvind Kejriwal's party's government is in power in Punjab. It's their administerial, police, law and order failure. Aam Aadmi Party government knew that such talk was going on. They should have taken note, and stopped people from taking out rallies. But AAP government is busy taking action against their opponents. It's very dangerous that Khalistani elements are rising again in Punjab. And Punjab government is sitting silently."