Situation under control in Punjab after violent clashes: Badal

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the situation was under total control in Punjab in the wake of violent clashes and arson in Ludhiana for two consecutive days.

"The government is keeping a close tab on the situation and monitoring it closely," Badal told reporters outside the state assembly before the commencement of its brief winter session here.

One person was killed and 15 injured when Sikhs objecting to a religious congregation by a different sect clashed with police in Ludhiana on Saturday.

Badal also rejected the demand of the main opposition Congress seeking the president's rule in the state for alleged failure of law and order.

He said deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds the portfolio of home affairs, will make a statement on last week's violence, in the assembly tomorrow.

Reacting over the issue, Sukhbir said the government would initiate such steps so that such incidents do not re-occur.