Nihang Sikhs Attack Police Officers To Take Control Of Gurudwara
In Kapurthala’s Sultanpur Lodhi, a tragic event took place when Nihang Sikhs opened fire on police officers. This incident happened on November 22nd. The police were there to arrest some Nihangs at a Gurdwara.
Sadly, during this, one policeman was killed, and several others were injured. In this unfortunate event, one police officer, Constable Jaspal Singh, lost his life. Additionally, six other officers sustained injuries, some of them serious. Nihang Sikkhs often remind people of the Khalistani groups.
What was the reason for the clash?
The clash started due to a dispute between two Nihang Sikh groups over the control of the Sri Akal Bunga Sahib Gurdwara. This disagreement led to tension and eventually escalated to violence.
Before this conflict, Gurdwara Akal Bunga was controlled by Baba Budha Dal 96 Karori, led by Sant Balbir Singh. However, it was taken over by a rival group led by Sant Baba Man Singh in a forceful manner.
When the police tried to intervene and arrest the Nihangs involved in the conflict, the Nihangs responded by opening fire. The police have arrested ten Nihang Sikhs in connection with this incident. They are accused of infringing on the Gurdwara premises and related violent acts.
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Nihang Sikh Group: Who are the Nihangs?
Nihangs are a separate Sikh sect, known for their distinctive blue robes and decorated turbans with steel quoits (chakram). Their ancestors have a history of bravery and defending the weak. But in the last few years, their new generation has been involved in several controversies.
Patiala Case (2020)
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Nihangs in Patiala were involved in a shocking act where they chopped off the hand of a police officer who was enforcing the lockdown measures.
Singhu Border Case (2021)
During the farmers’ protests near Delhi, Nihangs were accused of a cruel act where they killed a man, Lakhbir Singh, over alleged sacrilege of a Sikh holy book. The man’s arm was severed and he was hung upside down near the protest site.
