Patiala clash 'main conspirator' and 5 others arrested

The police have arrested six people in connection with the clashes that broke out in Patiala on April 29. Barjinder Singh Parwana, who the police say is the ‘main conspirator’ in the clashes, was arrested from Mohali on Sunday morning.

According to reports, Parwana has been accused of inciting militancy on social media in the past. He is the head of Sikh group Damdami Taksal Rajpura.

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The six people arrested includes Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) leader Harish Singla's associate, Shankar Bharadwaj and some Sikh radicals involved in the violence, IG MS Chhina said.

He asserted that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators.

Two groups had clashed on Friday last over an anti-Khalistan march, hurling stones at each other and brandishing swords, forcing police to fire in the air to bring the situation under control.

Six FIRs have been registered in the matter and a total of 25 people had been named in them.

Chhina on Sunday said police would take stern action if anyone is found trying to disturb peace and communal harmony.

The clash had taken place outside the Kali Mata temple when members of the 'Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray)' began a 'Khalistan Murdabad March'. Some Sikh activists, including Nihangs, took out another march against the Sena event. Four people were injured in the incident.

With PTI inputs.