The Dark Side of Devotion: Nihangs, Politics, and the Shadow of Violence The recent attack on Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal by a Nihang in Nanded's Mata Sahib Gurdwara has highlighted the increasingly blurred lines between devotion and violence.
Badal suffered minor hand injuries, while a police inspector was wounded. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even in sacred spaces, politics can simmer just below the surface.
The involvement of Nihangs adds complexity to this story. Known for their martial prowess and spiritual zealotry, they have long been associated with Sikh tradition.