Shops damaged in clash,traders block National Highway

Businessman Ramnath Chharbra added: “It is learnt that despite knowing the culprits,the police are not making any arrests. Even as a police team was patrolling the area today,the groups began pelting stones at each other and before we could realise,they began damaging our shops.”

SHO Focal point Sandeep Wadhera,however,downplayed the issue. “The matter is not as big as it is being made out to be. We asked all parties involved in sort out the matter and the same has been done.”

Despite the SHO’s claims,the police carried out a flag march in the area. It has been learnt that the police faced the wrath of some women when they tried to enter the area to arrest the accused.

The area in question is seen as highly sensitive after a clash between migrants and Punjabis had broken out here in December 2009.

The commissioner of Ludhiana has set up four new police posts in the area,besides strengthening the existing focal point police station.