The situation had taken such a turn that the employees' union of the DC office served an ultimatim on the government either to suspend the ``guilty'' police personnel, or shift them out of Shimla within two days, failing which they would resort to direct action.

As the crowd assembled at the Ridge went into raptures, the policemen on their toes to maintain the law and order resorted to `excesses', not only on the guests and ticket-holders but also the staff of the DC office -- which were a part of the organisers' team. Several VVIPs were not allowed to enter while others were denied place to sit in.However, the hooligans and fans had a field day with several of them making attempts to reach Gurdas Mann on the stage. Even the journalists had to face the wrath of policemen.Folk singer attired in typical Punjabi dress, started his performance with a prayer song and made the younger ones sing and dance to his tunes.