Punjab: Constable killed as Sikh groups clash over gurdwara’s control
A violent clash between two Sikh groups over the control of a gurdwara in Punjab resulted in the death of a Punjab Police constable and injuries to six others. The incident took place in the Kapurthala district of Punjab.
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The deceased constable has been identified as Jaspal Singh, who was posted at the Sultanpur Lodhi Police Station. The injured police officers are currently receiving treatment at Sultanpur Lodhi Civil Hospital.
According to reports, the clash between the two Nihang Sikh groups had been ongoing for the past three days. The conflict escalated on Thursday morning when the police allegedly tried to vacate the gurdwara from one of the Nihang groups led by Mann Singh.
In response, Singh’s group started firing indiscriminately at the police team, leading to the death of the constable and injuries to other officers. The Nihang Sikhs have barricaded the gurdwara from the inside, while the police have secured the surrounding area.
The situation remains tense as talks are underway to resolve the issue and regain control of the gurdwara. The clash comes ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh master, which is scheduled for November 27.
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An FIR has been filed, and ten members of Singh’s group have been arrested. It has been reported that the gurdwara was previously under the possession of Baba Budha Dal Balbir Singh but was illegally taken over by the opposing group, who brutally assaulted two gurdwara employees.
Nihang Sikhs are known for their unique attire and adherence to traditional Sikh martial practices. They dress up as medieval warriors and carry weapons like swords and spears. This is not the first instance of violence involving Nihang Sikhs, as a group in 2020 chopped off the hand of a police officer in Patiala during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Authorities are working to restore peace and resolve the conflict between the Sikh groups vying for control of the gurdwara.
