Chandigarh, Apr 13 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday spoke to the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Punjab Police whose left hand was severed in a clash by Nihang Sikhs in Patiala.

The hand of ASI Harjeet Singh was successfully re-implanted in an eight-hour surgery by doctors at the PGI Hospital in Chandigarh on Sunday.

"Spoke to ASI Harjeet Singh, who is recovering after his operation, to enquire about his health," the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

"The composure & bravery with which he spoke today is truly worthy of admiration. Wishing him a speedy recovery."

The PGI said this was technically very complex and challenging surgery, which was successfully done.

It was evaluated at the end of surgery that hand is viable, warm with good circulation, it added.

Eleven people, including a woman, were arrested for the crime after several hours of stand-off and many rounds of talks between the police officials and Nihang Dera head Baba Balwinder Singh, asking them to surrender.