Normalcy returns to Patiala after Fri clash

3 cops shifted; internet services restored

The Punjab government restored the internet services in Patiala on Saturday evening after the situation improved that remained tense post the Friday clash between the Shiv Sena members and the supporters of Khalistan over an anti-Khalistan march by the former, leaving four persons hurt.

The administration had to clamp the curfew from Friday evening till 6 am Saturday and suspended mobile internet and SMS services from 9.30 am to 6 pm. However, the home department reviewed its order and restored the services after 4 pm instead of 6 pm.

Meanwhile, most shops in Patiala remained shut on the “bandh’’ call by Hindu groups even as they also called off a protest rally against Friday’s violence after police assured of apprehending the accused within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Harish Singla, an accused of instigating violence in Patiala, who was arrested on Friday was sent to police remand for two days.

Of the total 25 accused in the case, Daljeet Singh and Kuldeep Singh were also arrested, the CMO said.

Meanwhile, chief minister Bhagwant Mann had transferred on Friday the IGP, SSP and SP of Patiala with immediate effect replacing them with Mukhwinder Singh Chinna (IG), Deepak Parik (SSP) and Wazir Singh (SP).

Slamming the government, Punjab BJP president Ashwani Sharma held the incident exposed the utter failure of the state police and intelligence agencies as the Shiv Sena members had been protesting against the call given by banned “Sikhs for Justice’’ organisation convener Gurpatwant Pannu to mark the foundation day of Khalistan on April 29.

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa also came down heavily on the ruling government and CM Mann, calling the incident as “complete anarchy in the state”.