The American embassy in Delhi has confirmed that a visa granted to a senior Sikh priest, Ranjit Singh, has been cancelled.

A spokesman said the visa was rescinded a day before he was due to leave for the US.

Mr Singh's planned three-week visit was intended to try to sort out growing tension throughout the Sikh community in North America.

At least three people are believed to have been killed in a dispute over a religious edict.

Mr Singh's supporters claim the visa was cancelled because of pressure on the embassy in India by his opponents.