Farmers Movement Archive

Nihangs share in the joy of ‘farmer brothers’

The Nihang Sikhs, also known as Sikh warriors, were among the proudest and the happiest lot at the Singhu border on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the scrapping of the three farm laws. This was despite the flak they said they had received last month after a 33-year-old man was allegedly lynched by members of their sect at the protest site. Donning blue robes and boasting swords and armours, the Nihangs rejoiced at the fact that their farmer brothers had won their battle after a year-long struggle and that they felt proud of having acted as their protectors throughout the protest. They said while there was a fair amount of opposition after last month’s incident, “they felt validated today as their sole goal was to protect the farmers and see them realise their demands”. Opposition from SKM Gyani Shamsher Singh, a Nihang Sikh, said that after last month’s incident, while the Nihangs faced opposition from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), they have been steadfast in their stand to punish those who have committed sacrilege. “Ever since our sect came into being, we have been called names and opposed by several persons, none of it bothers us as our job is to secure the farmers’ safety and we are all one,” Mr. Singh said. The SKM had distanced itself from the Nihangs and the victim, who allegedly desecrated the Sarbloh Granth, after the incident and called for a police investigation into the same. Four Nihang Sikhs were arrested in the matter.

The Hindu

2021-11-21

New Delhi