India's prime minister called for calm Friday and security forces were on high alert in two northern states as violent protests between rival Sikh groups left at least one person dead.
The clashes, which have also left some 30 people injured, erupted after the chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect was reportedly seen dressed as a revered guru - an act deemed deeply insulting by other faithful. One person was shot dead in clashes late Thursday in Punjab state's Sangrur district, with protests and violence also reported in the neighbouring state of Haryana, police said.
Thousands of paramilitary forces have been called in as reinforcements and the border between Punjab and Haryana sealed. Security has also been stepped up at all branches of the Dear Sacha Sauda sect.
Tens of thousands of Sikhs armed with sticks and traditional swords have taken to the streets in the past four days, forcing the closure of schools and universities in several areas.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday appealed to people to maintain calm as protests continued for the fifth day on Friday and spread to New Delhi and the states of Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. "I sincerely hope nothing will be done to flare up tempers and the situation in Punjab will be brought under control," Singh said, adding that he had spoken to the chief ministers of both states.
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