Patiala clash: Punjab govt suspends internet, transfers top police officials

New Delhi, April 30: The Punjab government has suspended mobile internet services and SMS services in Patiala on Saturday to prevent rumour-mongering, following a clash between Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) members and Sikh activists during an anti-Khalisan protest on Friday. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also ordered the transfer of the Inspector General of Police (Patiala range), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the Superintendent of Police (SP), an official statement said. A spokesperson for the Chief Minister's Office said Mukhwinder Singh Chinna has been appointed as the new Inspector General, while Deepak Parik and Wazir Singh have been appointed as new the SSP and the SP. The order to suspend the mobile phone services, except phone calls, was issued by the home affairs and justice department. The department has ordered the suspension of the mobile internet services (2G/3G/45/CDMA), all SMS services and all dongle services etc provided on mobile networks except voice calls in the territorial jurisdiction of the district of Patiala from 9:30 am to 6 pm on April 30. According to police, four people have been injured in the clash that broke out today afternoon when the Shiv Sena was carrying out a march near Kali Mata temple in the city. In the clash, stones were hurled and swords were brandished. The police also apprised that the groups did not have permission for the processions.