Amritsar: A clash broke out between Nihang Sikhs and followers of the Radha Soami Dera Satsang at Beas near here on Sunday after the former allegedly tried to forcibly enter the sprawling Dera premises to graze their cattle, leaving 10 people and a police officer injured. A heavy police force was deployed around the Dera premises and senior officers, including the IGP, reached the spot to take stock of the situation. Unconfirmed reports said shots were fired during the clash, but it is unclear whether the Radha Soami followers, the Nihangs, or the police opened the fire. Though there were rumours, police said no death has been reported so far and that the situation is under control.
The scuffle apparently broke out following a fierce verbal duel between the two groups after a herd of cattle belonging to the Nihangs entered the Dera land for grazing, to which the Radha Soami followers objected. One of the Nihangs allegedly attacked the security incharge of the Radha Soami Dera who sustained injuries in his shoulders. Jandaila Guru police station SHO Davinder Kumar, who was at the spot, tried to intervene and sustained injuries in the process. A total of 10 people from both sides suffered injuries, besides the police officer. Amritsar (Rural) SSP Swapan Sharma said the police resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the clashing groups. Civil surgeon Dr Charanjit Singh denied the rumours of any casualty during the clash. He said the injured were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Nihangs are a Sikh sect whose blue-robed members are often seen carrying swords or spears.
