Chandigarh: A police constable was killed while five other personnel sustained injuries when a group of 'Nihangs' opened fire at them at a gurdwara in Punjab's Kapurthala district, officials said on Thursday. Officials said that the clashes took place over the ownership of the gurdwara.
The incident took place when the policemen went to arrest some Nihangs (Sikhs armed with traditional weapons) in Sultanpur Lodhi in a case registered against them, said a senior police official over the phone.
Nihangs opened fire at policemen, who reached Gurdwara Akal Bunga to prevent a clash between two groups of Nihangs over taking possession of the disputed shrine that is located close to the historical Gurdwara Ber Sahib. Two rival Nihang groups have staked claims over the ownership of the gurdwara.
The policemen were standing on the road when the Nihangs opened fire at them, Kapurthala Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Tejbir Singh Hundal said. While one constable was killed, two other personnel sustained injuries, said the official.
Senior officials have rushed to the site and police personnel in large numbers have been deployed in the area, they said. Police registered an FIR in the matter and arrested 10 Nihangs (Sikhs armed with traditional weapons and wear blue robes) belonging to the Baba Mann Singh faction for allegedly encroaching on the gurdwara, but the operation is still on. One of the Nihangs fired at the cops when they had gone to clear the premises. Officials said that at least 30 Nihangs are still inside the gurdwara.
On Tuesday, the head of the second breakaway faction of Baba Buddha Dal, Baba Maan Singh Vallo, along with 15-20 other companions, forcibly entered the Gurudwara. After entering the Gurudwara, the Baba Maan Singh-led group tied Nirvair Singh with a rope while Jagjit Singh was attacked following which the group occupied the Gurdwara.
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