Tension between Namdhari groups over control of property at Batala

Tension prevailed in the wake of attempts by two groups of Namdharis to take possession of the Namdhari dharamshala on the Kahnuwan road here on Monday.

Tension prevailed in the wake of attempts by two groups of Namdharis to take possession of the Namdhari dharamshala on the Kahnuwan road here on Monday.

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After the death of Namdhari sect head Satguru Ram Singh, the two groups led by Thakur Udey Singh and Thakur Dalip Singh were allegedly trying to take possession of properties owned by the sect.

The followers of Thakur Dalip Singh had conducted a religious programme at Jassa Singh Ramgarhia hall while essential items related to the common kitchen were kept at Namdhari sect's community hall on the Kahnuwan road, where a 'langer' was to be held on Monday morning. However, the supporters of Thakur Udey Singh put locks on the community hall before the start of the function, which led to tension between the two groups.

Talking to HT, Namdhari community hall president Joginder Singh, who owes allegiance to Thakur Dalip Singh, claimed that the land was purchased by him in 1975-76 and along with other followers had built a community hall.

On the other hand, Ajit Singh, who supports Thakur Uday Singh, claimed that the property belonged to late Satguru Ram Singh and after his demise, he was looking after it.