By IANS
Patiala (Punjab) : At least four persons were killed when two groups of the Nihang Sikh sect clashed outside a religious shrine here Friday evening, 90 km from Chandigarh.
The clash took place between two factions of the Baba Budha Dal Nihang Sikhs sect, said the police officials at the spot.
Both sides exchanged fire, leaving four persons dead and a few others injured.
Police officials said that the provocation for the indiscriminate firing was that one group of Nihang Sikhs came to see the Baba Budha Dal chief Santa Singh, who has been ailing for some time and is recuperating at the campus of the sect here.
Those at the campus objected the group’s entry, and this led to heated exchanges, a scuffle and finally exchange of fire.
“The situation is tense but now under control. We are investigating the matter,” a Punjab police official said.
Nihang Sikhs are a warrior community within the Sikh religion and are associated with the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh.
Nihang Sikhs wear a long robe and carry traditional weapons. Some of them carry licensed guns also.