SHEIKHUPURA: Police on Friday had to step in amid rising tensions in Nankana Sahib after a heated debate at a tea stall threatened to blow into a big law and order issue, official source said.

Reports said four customers while taking tea at Zaman’s stall in front of Gurdwara Janam Asthan started a conversation about his nephew, Muhammad Ehsaan who, just a few months ago, came into the limelight for marrying a Sikh girl after allegedly forcing her to convert.

Zaman reportedly reacted with anger, which led to a confrontation between two groups. A small crowd gathered to raise slogans. A team of Nankana Sahib police had to intervene briskly to control the situation.

Asif Chaudhry from Lahore adds: Nankana District Police Officer Ismail Kharrak, Deputy Commissioner Raja Mansoor and other senior government officers also reached the spot to hold negotiations with the protesters.

Sheikhupura Regional Police Officer Farooq Mazhar told Dawn that police immediately averted the situation and held talks with the protesters, who dispersed peacefully. He said police had received a call regarding a scuffle near the gurdwara.

The station house officer concerned had taken into custody five people involved in the scuffle and taken them to the police station for preventive action.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2020