Ferozepur, Punjab: Nine persons were injured after a clash erupted between the followers of controversial Dera Sauda Sirsa and certain Sikh organisations near Jogewala village in Makhu on November 16 morning.
Local sources revealed that Dera Sauda followers were heading towards Makboolpura village to participate in a Dera program there. Sikh organizations were opposing the dera activities. A Sikh delegation led by Giani Bhupinder Singh, Mukh-Sewadar of Akal Darbar Sahib Sadarvala has given notice to the police that Dera Sauda’s proposed activity in Makboolwala village could lead to disturbance. They alleged that the administration failed to stop the dera activity which led to clash.
Dera premis were stopped by the police from heading towards Makboolwala village. They reportedly started their function outside a Gurdwara Sahib near Jogewala village. After heated arguments, the clash eventually erupted.
The police fired several shots in air to disperse the mob Senior police officials, including DIG Ferozepur Range Munish Chawla and SSP Sukhwant Singh Gill, along with heavy police contingent reached the spot to pacify the enraged crowd.
Media reports say five to six members of “Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj” and some Dera followers were injured in the clash. They were taken to the civil hospital for treatment. Some policemen also reportedly sustained minor injuries during the clash.
Deputy Commissioner DPS Kharbanda along with senior police officials held separate meetings with the two warring groups to normalise the situation.
Both the sides demanded registration of case against each other. The Dera followers sat on a protest, demanding registration of an FIR against the Sikhs.
The injured, belonging to “Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj”, were identified as Mohkam Singh, Baaj Singh, Mangat Singh and Harnam Singh. Five “Premis” injured are Jarnail Singh, Major Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Kehar Singh and Kuldeep Singh.