Sikh-Dera Sacha Sauda clash at Sirsa

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 during 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 Force and Border Security Force 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.