The police have put up barricades at various places and senior police officials are mediating to defuse the situation.

Imams of the local masjids at Lal Kuan and elders have appealed to youths on Masjid loudspeaker to disperse and maintain peace. However, the mischief mongers on both sides are trying to incite youth.

Every time the crowds recede, someone raises a religious slogan and the efforts to defuse the situation are brought to a nought.

DCP MS Randhawa told NH that the police have been trying to contain the situation since the last night itself. He said police arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no further clash takes place.

"We are trying our best to control the situation. That's all I have to right now," he said.