The bodies of Baba Balbir Singh's family lay scattered in a court yard
Patiala, Punjab (KP) – Long lasting conflicts between factions of Budha Dal recently claimed the lives of four members. A violent clash took place between the groups of Baba Balbir Singh and Baba Udhay Singh when the latter group supposedly tried to abduct the old aged Baba Santa Singh, Jathedar Budha Dal. All those killed in the incident were related to Baba Balbir Singh. Baba Aasa Singh, father, Jagdish Singh and Karamjit Singh, brothers, and Bhajan Singh, nephew of Baba Balbir Singh were reported to be visiting the Nihang Dera at the time of the clash.
Although Baba Balbir Singh was not present when the incident took place, he alleged that the attack was premeditated to eliminate him so Baba Udhay Singh could be planted as the heir of Baba Santa Singh. Rows over heirship have been ongoing for decades but they turned violent only recently as Baba Santa Singh's health and control over Budha Dal declined.
During 1984 when Baba Santa Singh took over the task of rebuilding Akal Takht Sahib, differences erupted between the Budha Dal Jathedar and Baba Balbir Singh. As a consequence of several disagreements and the ex-communication of Baba Santa Singh, Baba Balbir Singh separated from the mainstream Budha Dal and founded his own separate faction. At that time, Baba Udhay Singh was accepted as the heir of Baba Santa Singh. As time progressed, and when Baba Santa Singh appeared at Akal Takht Sahib to seek forgiveness, both once again joined hands and Baba Balbir Singh became the likely heir in place of Baba Udhay Singh.
Controversy sparked all over as associates of Baba Udhay Singh started protesting against Baba Balbir Singh. Although with the help of mediators, physical conflict was avoided, both factions held grudges against each other deep within. Just recently during the Vaisakhi celebrations, Baba Balbir Singh was attacked mischievously by some men of Baba Surjeet Singh, a close associate of Baba Udhay Singh. This deadly attack took place at the headquarters of Budha Dal shortly after Baba Balbir Singh was officially declared successor of Baba Santa Singh.
Although Baba Balbir Singh escaped the attack unharmed, the incident played a big role in tarnishing the status and name of Nihang Jathebandis. Panthic organizations all over expressed regret over internal conflicts of the Dal. Soon after, Baba Santa Singh once again took control of the Dal to avoid any further conflicts. At that time, supervision of different segments of the Dal was handed over to various senior Dal members. Although this helped stop future clashes, several pre-existing conflicts were left unresolved.
These unresolved issues sprouted once again as Baba Santa Singh's health started to decline. As Baba Balbir Singh continued to enjoy increased loyalty and support from various Nihang Dals, others such as Baba Udhay Singh and Baba Surjeet Singh continued their disapproval of Baba Balbir Singh. This disapproval escalated this past week when armed members of Baba Udhay Singh’s faction once again exercised violent means to bring trouble to Baba Balbir Singh.
Baba Balbir Singh also alleged that local police were well informed about impending violence, but they showed no interest whatsoever. Even when four members of Baba Balbir Singh were shot dead, it took the police over half an hour to reach the spot and in turn, the culprits found enough time to escape. Baba Balbir Singh also said that recently Baba Udhay Singh had allegedly withdrawn a sum of Rs.20,000,000 from Budha Dal’s School Education Fund.
The police have booked 16 men of Baba Udhay Singh’s faction on complaint of Bhai Darshan Singh--another relative of Baba Balbir Singh who was severely injured during the violent clash this past week. To add to the grief, police have also started seizing arms and ammunition from Nihang Dals. So far, the whereabouts of Baba Udhay Singh and Baba Surjeet Singh are unknown as police are on the look out for them.
