Two arrested after violent clash over Khalistan referendum in Melbourne

Police were forced to deploy pepper spray to separate pro-India and pro-Sikh groups after they clashed at a referendum event in Federation Square in Melbourne

Two scuffles broke out, one about 12.45pm and another about 4.30pm, between the two camps.

The non-binding referendum was being held for Indian expats on whether Punjab, a state bordering Pakistan in India, should be an independent Sikh state, to be known as Khalistan.

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The people voting yesterday were asked to vote yes or no to the question, "Should Indian-governed Punjab should be an independent country?"

A Victoria Police spokesperson said a 34-year-old man and a 39-year-old man were arrested at the scene and were issued with a penalty notice for riotous behaviour.

"Melbourne East Neighbourhood Policing Team are continuing to investigate after it was identified two men, one with a laceration to their head and another with a hand injury, were injured," the spokesperson said.

"The pair were treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics for what was believed to be minor injuries."

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Police continue to investigate the incident.