One killed in Dera-Sikh clashes in Punjab

Chandigarh, Jul 18: One person was killed when a group of Sikhs clashed with Dera Sacha Sauda supporters in Dabwali town in Sisra District. According to the police, the clashes broke out following a dispute between them during morning prayers of Dera supporters.

Following the clashes, tensions have been prevailing in the area. Additional forces have been deployed to prevent any kind of untoward incident. Earlier, one person was killed in firing by a bodyguard of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh during a clash with Sikhs when the sect head had visited Mumbai.

Relations between the followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect and mainstream Sikhs have been soured for almost a year now. Dera chief had sparked a huge uproar by the Sikhs a few months ago when Ram Rahim allegedly tried to imitate the dress and activities of the last Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh. The move enraged the Sikh community to a great extent and demanded apology from him. Later, Ram Rahim tendered an apology, saying he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of the Sikhs, but the Sikh clerics rejected the apology.

ANI