In the early hours of Thursday, a tragic clash between Nihang Sikhs and police in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, resulted in the death of a Punjab home guards constable, Jaspal Singh, and left five policemen injured. The conflict revolves around the control of Gurdwara Akal Bunga, situated opposite the main Gurdwara Ber Sahib, with two Nihang groups, led by Mann Singh, at odds for the past three days.
The situation intensified when the police attempted to vacate the Gurdwara from Mann Singh’s group. In response, members of the Nihang group fired indiscriminately at the police team, leading to the tragic loss of the home guards constable and injuries to five other policemen.
With tension gripping the area ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 27, the Nihangs, heavily armed, have barricaded themselves inside the Gurdwara. The police, in turn, have secured the area and initiated negotiations with the Nihang group to peacefully resolve the situation.
Previously, the Gurdwara was under the control of Baba Budha Dal Balbir Singh. However, on November 21, Mann Singh’s group unlawfully seized possession, brutally assaulting two Gurdwara employees. An FIR, including charges of attempt to murder, was registered on November 21, leading to the arrest of 10 Nihangs associated with the Mann Singh group on Wednesday.
This clash echoes a similar incident in 2020 when both Nihang groups clashed, resulting in the death of a member of the Sikh martial order. Nihang Sikhs, known for their distinctive attire and adherence to traditional Sikh martial practices, live on the fringes of society, embodying the spirit of medieval warriors devoted to Guru Gobind Singh. As the authorities work towards resolution, the incident sheds light on the challenges surrounding the historic Gurdwara and the tensions among Nihang factions.
