Chandigarh: An Indian Army Major and several other troops were injured in a clash with civilians in Punjab state.

According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Friday, an Indian Army Major and 16 troops were reportedly assaulted by the owner and workers of a roadside eatery (dhaba) on the Manali-Ropar road in Punjab. Reportedly, four Indian trooops, including the Major, were injured seriously in the attack.

Indian police have arrested four people, including the eatery owner and the manager, and are searching for others involved in the attack.

The incident occurred when Indian army Major Sachin Singh Kuntal of the Ladakh Scouts along with other troops were returning from Manali, after winning the Snow Marathon held in Lahaul.

There was an argument between the Dhaba owner and the Indian troops at the ‘Alpine dhaba’ near Bharatgarh in Ropar district. An argument broke out between them when the owner told them to pay for food in cash while the Indian troops avoided and insisted on making payment online.

The people including the Dhaba owner and his staff attacked the Indian army officer and other troops. They were allegedly punched and beaten with sticks and iron rods. The Indian army Major received injuries to his hands and head and fainted, while the attackers fled the scene.