Patiala clashes: Violence breaks out between two groups over ‘anti-khalistan’ march

An 11-hour curfew was imposed in Punjab’s Patiala Friday after the police fired several rounds in the air to avert a clash between members of Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) and Sikh activists and Nihangs outside the Kali Mata temple. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

The clash took place after Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla and other party members led the “Khalistan Murdabad” march. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

The incident led to stone-pelting by both sides and at least four persons, including two policemen, were injured. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

A policeman fires his gun during a clash between Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) workers and Nihang Singhs near Kali Mata Mandir in Patiala on Friday. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

Harish Singla, the now-expelled Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) leader, has said that he had called the procession to counter the call for ‘Khalistan Sthapna Diwas’ given by Pannu. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann held a meeting with top officials to take stock of the situation and underline that he would not let anyone disrupt peace and harmony in the state. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

On Friday evening, the Shiv Sena leadership in Mumbai directed its Punjab unit to take “stern action” against all those linked to the party who were involved in the clash. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

A day after the Patiala clash, mobile internet services were temporarily suspended in the district Saturday and three senior cops were transferred. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)

The situation was peaceful on Saturday, officials told PTI. (Express Photo: Harmeet Sodhi)