CHANDIGARH, India, June 11, Reuter: A Sikh preacher and one of his disciples were hacked to death and five people were killed in other incidents in Punjab, where violence continues barely checked by last month’s imposition of direct rule from New Delhi.
Police said they found Ishar Singh and his unidentified assistant dead with wounds from sharp-edged weapons at their gurdwara in Hoshiarpur district this morning, apparently the victims of Hindu extremists.
Local people said Singh was associated with the moderate wing of the Akali Dal party headed by Surjit Singh Barnala, ousted last month as Chief Minister when Delhi imposed central rule. The faction opposes the Sikh goal of independence for Punjab.
Also in Hoshiarpur district, police shot dead three freedom fighters early today and another inspector is in hospital with serious injuries.
All the occupants of the house managed to escape, the police said.
The final victim was a Hindu shopkeeper. Named Sham Lal, killed by a gunman in Batala. The deaths take the toll in violence this month to at least 20. 3.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 19, 1987
