Clash over gurdwaras leaves three dead in Punjab

A clash and firing between two groups over control of a gurdwara left three people dead in Punjab's Muktsar district on Wednesday, police said.

Six people, who were injured, were admitted to the Muktsar Civil Hospital.

The incident took place in Mallan village of Gidderbaha sub-division, about 250 km from here.

Village residents told the police that both sides fired a number of rounds. Arms, swords and traditional weapons were used in the clash.

The victims were identified as Naib Singh, aged around 60 years, and Amritpal Singh and Harvinder Singh, both in their early 30s. Naib Singh was earlier managing the gurdwara.

The clash took place after a Sikh religious group, led by preacher Balbir Singh, tried to take control of the shrine.

Police said tension started between both sides when the Balbir Singh group, through Naib Singh, handed over a letter to present gurdwara in-charge Makhan Singh on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, both groups, led by Naib Singh and Makhan Singh, came face to face with their armed supporters, leading to the clash. "We are investigating," district police chief G.S. Gill said.

--IANS

js/mr