Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh : Tension gripped the holy city of Amritsar on Friday when two groups of Nihangs clashed during an annual event injuring six people.
Over 70 groups of Nihangs (warrior Sikhs) had gathered at the ground of Gurdwara Shaeed Ganj to display their martial arts skills to public. The event is organised every day on the next day of Diwali.
Altercation began during a horse race between two groups from Ludhiana, police said. Reports said that following the heated arguments gun shots were fired, injuring six people, including one seriously injured.
Nihangs were equipped with licensed fire arms, swords and other sharp edged weapons.
Following the clash, police swung into action and shortly overpowered the clashing groups. The police arrested 12 Nihangs, including two key accused Sher Singh and Pritam Singh, report said.
Earlier, heavy police force was deployed here to defuse any tension as there was open show of firearms by different groups.
About 2000 participants all over Punjab were taking part in the horse race besides showing tricks on the back of moving horse.
Every year, as per Sikh community tradition, on the next day of Diwali, Nihangs gather in open big ground of Gurdwara Shaeed Ganj to display their skills to public while moving on the back of horse while carrying weapons.
