'Appealing' J-K Deupty CM calls for peace following Sikh-police clash

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Friday termed the violent clash between the Sikh community and the state police as 'unfortunate' and assured that the clash will be brought under control in very short span of time.

"It is unfortunate that such a situation has emerged in Jammu… The administration is on the job and we are meeting the leaders of the community. And we hope that the situation will be brought under

control. The situation was such that the police had to resort to firing. I appeal to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony. Things will be under control in a very short span of time. Whosoever

held responsible will be dealt according to law," Singh told ANI here.

On Thursday, a group of Sikhs blocked roads while denouncing the removal of a poster carrying picture of militant Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Police sources said security forces had to open fire to quell a violent mob of Sikh protesters at Gadigarh, eight km from Jammu city centre.

"One person was killed in this firing incident and over a dozen others, including three policemen, were injured," police said.

The killed man has been identified as Jagjit Singh, son of Narveer Singh of R S Pura.

Reports said that the three injured policemen who have been shifted to a hospital, are in critical condition following the attack on them.

According to reports, the clashes erupted when people, protesting the removal of a hoarding, turned violent.

Protesters in Jammu have blocked the Jammu- Pathankot National Highway over the clash.

Meanwhile, the unrest has spread to Srinagar.