India's prime minister appealed for calm Monday as riots spread to several northern Indian cities to protest a deadly shooting at a Sikh Gurdwara (temple) in Austria, Associated Press reported. Hundreds defied a curfew and army patrols, attacking police stations and torching the car of a senior officer and several trains. In two places police opened fire on mobs, wounding at least four people, said senior police officer Khubi Ram. The violence centered on the north Indian city of Jalandhar, a stronghold of the Dera Sach Khand, a Sikh sect comprised of mainly «untouchables,» or Dalits. A leader of the sect was killed and another preacher wounded Sunday when Sikhs wielding knives and a handgun attacked the two in Vienna. At least 15 other people were wounded, Austrian police said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India's first leader of the Sikh faith, said he was «deeply distressed» by the attack and subsequent violence. «Whatever the provocation, it is important to maintain peace and harmony among different sections of the people,» Singh said, adding that «Sikhism preaches tolerance and harmony.» Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna said India was working with Austrian authorities to «ensure that the perpetrators of this completely mindless and wanton attack are brought to justice. «
