An11-hour curfew has been imposed in Punjab's Patiala district on Friday after four people were injured when two groups clashed over an anti-Khalistan march.
According to an order issued by Patiala district magistrate Sakshi Sawhney, the curfew will be in place between 7 pm Friday and 6 am Saturday.
However, all emergency and essential services will remain exempted from the order.
"Peace and harmony is central to all our religions and their basic ethos. Even if there is any dispute or misunderstanding, it is important to resolve it by dialogue. As such, the District Administration appeals to all brothers and sisters of Patiala and Punjab to continue to maintain peace and brotherhood," Sawhney said in a statement. The situation is under control right now, the district magistrate said, adding, "All measures are being taken to ensure peace and harmony."
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the incident "unfortunate." "The incident of clashes in Patiala are deeply unfortunate. I spoke with the DGP, peace has been restored in the area. We are closely monitoring the situation and will not let anyone create disturbance in the State. Punjab’s peace and harmony is of utmost importance," he said in a tweet.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a tweet, said visuals from Patiala are "disturbing" and appealed to state government to ensure law and order.
"Visuals from Patiala are disturbing. I repeat, Peace & Harmony are most imperative in a sensitive border state like Punjab. This is not the place to carry out experiments. Earnestly appeal to the Punjab govt to ensure law and order is maintained," he wrote.
Tension prevailed in the city after the clash outside the Kali Mata temple between members of an outfit called Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) on one side and a group of Sikh activists, including some Nihangs, on the other.
Four people, including a policeman, were hurt after the two groups hurled stones at each other.
Following the incident, there has been heavy deployment of police in the area.
