Sikh-Dera Sacha Sauda clash at Sirsa

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Second Sikh Martyr in Sikh-Dera Clashes

Haryana's Sirsa district, Friday the 18th of July 2008

Sikhs and members of the Dera Sacha Sauda fought pitched battles with one person being killed and 30 injured. The violence later spread to Gukanwali village, where Sikhs attacked an set ablaze an ashram belonging to the Dera. The area has been on 'tinter hooks' since last year when Sikhs prevented a prayer meeting scheduled to be held by Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh the Dera's leader.

Friday's violence began after a fight broke out between two sides during morning prayers in Dabwali according to Sirsa's Deputy Commissioner V. Umashankar. As the melee was taking place a Sikh named Mandar Singh of Dabwali was killed in the clash. Members of each group were carrying weapons, including swords and lathis. It is thought that Mandar Singh of Dabwali was struck by bricks hurled during the fight.

Angered by the 2nd death of a Sikh since the recent shooting at Mumbai the angry crowd went on a rampage and damaged about 30 shops in Dabwali setting some on fire. Vehicles were also damaged in the melee.

Troops of Rapid Action and Border Security Forces have been deployed to ensure law and order, and units of the army have been put on standby if needed. As of saturday shops, schools and colleges remained shut with a curfew in place.


The Below from

The Deccan Herald, Sunday, July 20, 2008

Dabwali limps back to normal, curfew on

Dabwali (Haryana), PTI:

The cremation of the victim in Friday’s violence, Mandar Singh, was held at his native village this afternoon. The cremation passed off peacefully, Sirsa Deputy Commissioner, V. Umashankar said.

Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann, besides some other Sikh leaders and local INLD MLA Sita Ram participated in the funeral procession.

Dera Sacha followers Sunder Dass and his son, both residents of Dabwali town, in whose house clashes broke out during prayers, were arrested and booked on the charge of murder. They were produced before a court at Sirsa, which sent them to judicial lock up for 14 days. School and colleges and other establishments remained shut in Dabwali.

See also:

Dera Saccha Sauda

Sikhism and Dera Sacha Sauda

Mumbai Sikh-Dera Sacha Sauda clash