Cops avert clash as Sikh activists stop ‘premis’ from attending event

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, February 25

The police today averted a clash between activists of several radical Sikh outfits and followers of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda over the holding of “naam charcha” in Mallanwala block of the district.

The situation turned tense after certain unidentified youths pelted stones and damaged a vehicle belonging to a dera follower. The vehicle was reportedly carrying sticks, baseball bats and red chilli powder.

Earlier, the administration had deployed the police force in Ward No. 6 of Mallanwala where “naam charcha” was to take place at the residence of a dera follower.

In the meantime, hundreds of persons owing allegiance to Sikh outfits gathered in a nearby gurdwara.

When the ceremony began, the Sikh activists started raising slogans against the dera and the administration. The “premis” were prevented from attending the event which triggered panic. The traders shut their shops anticipating violence. Two youths threw red chilli powder in the eyes of Sikh activists that affected two policemen also.

Dilbagh Singh of Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj said they would not allow any “naam charcha” in Makhu and Mallanwala. The police have registered a case against Dilbagh Singh and 35-40 unidentified persons.