Punjab: Stones were hurled and knives were brandished as two groups clashed near Kali Mata temple in Patiala, Punjab on Friday during a protest march held against banned terrorist outfit Khalistan. Tensions are running high in parts of Patiala with security forces deployed in sensitive areas.

On recieving the information, police and secuirt forces intervened firing shots in the air to disperse the crowd. Atleast four have reportedly sustained injuries.

Taking account of the incident, CM Mann tweeted- 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.

Police officials in a media update said that the police have been deployed to the site to control the situation. Further, it also said that one of the groups involved in the clash is Shiv Sena, which is the ruling party in Maharashtra.

The district administration has urged the residents to avert clashes and resolve the issues through peaceful talks.