Six Nihangs (traditional Sikh warriors) were injured here on Friday when two radical Sikh outfits fired volley of gunshots on each other amidst a heavy crowd of onlookers.
Punjab Police Additional DCP Parmpal Singh said the incident occurred during the evening when more than 70 groups of Nihang Sikhs, comprising of more than two thousands participants from 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, Nihang Sikh outfit gather in open ground of Gurdwara Shaeed Ganj to display their skills to public while carrying deadly weapons, informed Singh.
The situation slipped out of control when two groups of Nihangs from ludhiana indulged in heated arguments during horse race and opened gun fire on each other which led to injuries of six people, including one seriously injured, said the police officer.
Heavy police forces were deployed since morning keeping in view of heavy display of fire arms, including deadly weapons by Sikh outfits. The moment gun shots were noticed, police swung into action and within no time overpowered all the accused involved from both sides.
Police said that more than twelve people accused of firing gunshots were arrested, including key accused Sher Singh and Pritam Singh.