PATIALA, Punjab (KP)—Tensions were high at the village of Mansa after a recent clash between followers of Gurmeet Ram Rahim and the local Sikh Sangat. According to received reports, while the local Sikh Sangat was heading to talks with local Sacha Sauda followers to not hold their so-called ‘Naam Charcha' session, they were stoned by the followers who had gathered to hold discourses.
The Government of Punjab has officially banned any ‘Naam Charcha' sessions of Dera Sacha Sauda, but the decree is seldom enforced by the police officials. Sikh Sangat has also been advised to boycott and counter any Sacha Sauda Naam Charchas as they are used as a tool for sacrilege against Sikh values and beliefs.
As the Sikh Sangat approached the residence where the Sacha Sauda activists had gathered, the police were notified of the possible clash between the two groups as a precaution. As the violence started to erupt, police reached the spot in due time and stopped any possible mishap.
Although no case was officially registered by the police, at another incident that took place recently at Village Sardulgarh, the police did arrest members of the Sikh Community after a similar clash took place. The clash at Sardulgarh also took place as the local Sikh community wished to stop a naam charcha by Sacha Sauda followers.
The arrested persons were identified as members of the Ik Noor Khalsa organization of Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh. Both of the arrested persons, Bhai Baljinder Singh and Bhai Harwinder Singh, were lodged in jail after the police received their judicial remand from the local court.
While tensions have been high in Punjab after the recent clashes, Panthic Organizations are hinting at possible conflicts in Haryana in the coming days if the local Government does not show cooperation with the Sikhs. According to sources, Sikh organizations have already appealed to Punjab and Haryana Government to not all Dera Sacha Sauda followers to publicly celebrate the birthday of Gurmeet Ram Rahim as he has caused much blasphemy to Sikh values and has been involved in several criminal activities.
The birthday of notorious self-styled Godman falls on January 12 however the Sikh officials are yet to receive a response from the Police authorities. Panthic organizations have already announced that birthday of Gurmeet Ram Rahim would not be allowed to be celebrated in any Punjab or Haryana region where Sikhs hold a majority. The announcement was made as precautionary notice to avoid any violence.
