SANGRUR: Tension reigned at Lehragaga in Sangrur on Wednesday afternoon when members of certain Hindu and Sikh organizations indulged in stone pelting over the call for Punjab bandh against the upcoming execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana. Rajoana, who is co accused in the killing of then Punjab CM Beant Singh on August 31, 1995 is to be hanged on March 31. Both sides tearing apart the peaceful fabric threw stones at each other. Lehragaga is represented by former chief minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal in Punjab assembly.
According to sources it all started when some shopkeepers were playing cards in a market after downing the shutters. When members of some Sikh organizations objected to it and asked the shopkeepers to vacate the place, altercations took place between members of both sides. The slogans of pro and against Khalistan(separate Sikh state) started renting the air.
"When tempers ran high both groups took sides and threw stones at each other but somehow no one was injured", said an eyewitness." We were simply playing cards when members of Sikh organizations torn apart the cards and abused us, this provoked us to get back", said Sat Pal of the town.
"We just had asked them to put the shutters down and not sit before their shops that the members of Hindu organizations got provoked and situation became tense", Harpal Singh, member of a protesting Sikh organization.
Sangrur SSP Harcharan Singh Bhullar "some problem had cropped up over playing cards but police has took the situation under control and peace has returned to the place".
On the other hand working on call by certain Sikh organizations, the Malwa hinterland witnessed complete bandh on Wednesday. All the business establishments downed shutters and even banks put its shutters at half down. The markets at Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa, Moga wore a deserted look and life was put out of gear. The road traffic too was badly hit.
Members of Sikh organizations Dal Khalsa, Khalsa action committee, Khalra mission organization took to streets in some areas carrying flags as security personnel patrolled sensitive areas to maintain peace.On the directions of Shri Akal Takht, prayers were held at different places in the state in support of Rajoana.
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