Ottawa, Oct 26 (TIWN) Police in the Canadian city of Mississauga said that between 400 and 500 people clashed on Diwali night, during which one side waved the Indian Tricolour while some others held Khalistani banners, media reports said.

According to local news website insauga.com, Peel Regional Police intervened after there were reports of 400 to 500 people involved in a fight at Malton parking lot during the Diwali celebrations.  However, no one was arrested, fined or charged with any offence.  Quoting the Toronto CityNews, a News 18 report said that Peel police constable Mandeep Khatra informed that the fights were isolated and entire groups were not involved in the face-off.  “There was information that there were smaller groups involved in fights, but not the whole group,” Khatra was quoted as saying.  Police remained on scene until past midnight even after the situation calmed down. 

“We originally received information that a fight had occurred. The police attended, there was a large crowd, a lot of people yelling and screaming. It was determined to be a Diwali celebration and police remained in the area to keep the peace and were present in the area until the crowd dispersed,” the report quoted Khatra as saying.  Earlier this week, India urged Canada to stop the Khalistan referendum which is likely to take place on 6 November. The referendum is being organised by the banned Sikhs for Justice group.