Tensions Escalate in Kapurthala: Nihang Sikhs Open Fire, Killing Constable Jaspal Singh

Tensions in the Kapurthala region of Punjab, India reached a boiling point on Thursday morning as Nihang Sikhs opened fire on police, resulting in the death of one constable and leaving five others injured. The deceased officer has been identified as Jaspal Singh from the Sultanpur Lodhi police station. The clashes were sparked by a dispute over ownership of the gurdwara Akal Bunga, which is located opposite the main gurdwara Ber Sahib.

According to reports from the Hindustan Times, the situation had been tense for the past three days but escalated when police attempted to remove the Nihang group, led by Mann Singh, from the gurdwara. The Nihangs, known for their distinctive blue robes and decorated turbans, had barricaded themselves inside the gurdwara, prompting the police to secure the area and initiate negotiations for their eviction.

Previously, the gurdwara was under the control of Balbir Singh, a member of the Patiala-based Baba Budha Dal. However, Mann Singh forcefully took possession of the gurdwara on Tuesday, violently assaulting two gurdwara employees in the process.

As of now, the police have arrested 10 individuals from the Nihang sect for their alleged encroachment on the gurdwara. The operation to resolve the situation is still ongoing, with authorities hopeful of finding a resolution.

The Nihang Sikhs have historically been associated with acts of bravery and defending the rights of the weak. However, in recent years, the group has faced scrutiny for their actions. In 2020, Nihang protesters severed the hand of a police officer in Patiala during a COVID-19 lockdown enforcement. Earlier this year, during the farmers’ protests in Delhi, Nihangs were accused of killing a Dalit man named Lakhbir Singh over the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikh community. The incident involved Singh’s arm being severed, and his body displayed at the Singhu border, where the farmers’ protest was taking place.

The Nihangs claimed the incident occurred because Singh had attempted sacrilege against the Sarbaloh Granth. These incidents have drawn widespread attention and raised concerns about the actions of the Nihang Sikhs.