1978 Sikh–Nirankari clash
1978 Sikh–Nirankari clash
The 1978 Sikh–Nirankari clash was a significant conflict between the Sikh community and the Nirankari sect in India, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Sikhism. The clash erupted on April 13, 1978, during a Sikh demonstration against the Nirankari sect, which was viewed by many Sikhs as heretical due to its repudiation of certain Sikh doctrines. Tensions escalated when a group of Sikhs confronted Nirankari leader Gurbachan Singh, leading to violence that resulted in the deaths of several individuals. The clash heightened sectarian divisions and catalyzed the Sikh resurgence movement, challenging the authority of the Nirankaris and prompting a re-examination of Sikh identity. This event contributed to a series of conflicts in Punjab in the subsequent decades.