Phagwara, Punjab (KP) - Tensions flared between Sikh organizations, the Punjab Government, and supporters of Aushutosh Noormehlia Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan cult which had organized a three day program at Hanumangarhi, Phagwara in central Punjab.

The situation became tense after Sikh protestors from Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Society, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Damdami Taksal, and the Shiromani Khalsa Panchayat blocked roads and traffic on a national highway.

According to press reports, tempers escalated when Noormehlia cultists began pelting the protesting Sangat with rock and stones.  The protestors also responded back in kind.  Local police attempted to break up the clash by firing tear gas and live rounds into the air.  Dozens of individuals were injured in this incident, and many Sikh protestors were arrested. 

Eyewitnesses alleged that the police took their aggression on the Sikh protestors only and no attempts were made to stop the Noormehlia cultists from attacking the Sangat with rocks and stones.  Several buses being utilized by the cult were damaged as a result of the chaos.

The city remained tense, and virtually closed for most of the day after a call for a “bandh” was issued by Sikh organizations. Their demand for a ban on the Noormehlia function was ignored by the Punjab government and local authorities.   Hundreds of protesting youths blocked traffic at the Grand Trunk Road and Sugar Mill Chauk intersection and shouted anti-Aushutosh slogans. The protesting Sangat remained in the streets as late as 10pm that evening.  

A large contingent of police officers was deployed throughout the night and enforcement from nearby districts was also called in. The next morning, section 144 of the Criminal Procedural Code was imposed that banned the assembly of 4 or more individuals - all in attempt to thwart the Sikh protestors from regrouping. 

Giani Runjodh Singh, a former head-granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and representatives of other leading Sikh organizations criticized the  Government’s handling of the events, and police action. 

“Despite the repeated requests from Sikh organizations, the government of Parkash Badal has allowed the Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan function to take place. Doesn’t this mirror the events that took place nearly thirty years ago when Badal was also CM?,” remarked one protestor, hinting at Badal’s involvement in the late seventies with nakli-Nirankari cult.  In 1978 Badal allowed a similar anti-Panthic program by the nakli-Nirankaris to take place that eventually lead to a clash in which 13 innocent Sikhs were murdered on April 13, 1978 in city of Amritsar Sahib.

Panthic organizations, along with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, have long agitated for a ban against the Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan of Noormahal.  According to the Sikh orgnizations, Aushutosh Noormahalia, who claims to be the ‘perfect satguru’, has been distorting Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib Ji to promote his gurudom.  Over the past few years, several clashes have taken place between Sikh activists and his followers.  

Panthic observers blame the Badal Akali Dal and other likeminded anti-Panthic organizations for promoting dehdharis such as Aushutosh  Noormehlia, and Piara Bhaniara.  They also warn that it is his goverment that will be responsible for any harm done to the Panth and its interests.