Nihangs’ Vigilante Violence Sparks Fear of Parallel Governance in Punjab

Ludhiana: A wave of violent incidents involving Nihang Sikhs, identifiable by their blue robes and traditional weapons, has gripped Punjab, raising alarms about a parallel system of governance. From brutal murders to public assaults, these acts of vigilante justice are tarnishing the revered image of Sikhs, known for their bravery and sacrifice. Reports suggest Nihangs are operating kangaroo courts, meting out punishments based on their moral code, often bypassing legal authorities. This alarming trend not only insults the sacred Nihang attire but also risks communal harmony in the state.

A Spate of Violent Incidents Shocks Punjab

In a chilling 24-hour span in June 2025, two incidents underscored the growing audacity of Nihang-related violence. A Nihang allegedly strangled a social media influencer, accusing her of posting “vulgar” content. In Jalandhar, a group of Nihangs attacked a restaurant owner over delayed food, vandalizing the shop, stealing a gold chain, and mocking the owner’s Hindu faith. CCTV footage of the assault spread rapidly online, fueling public outrage.

On July 5, 2024, four men dressed in Nihang attire brutally attacked Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar in Ludhiana with swords, leaving him critically injured. Similarly, in January 2024, a Nihang killed a youth at a Phagwara gurdwara, claiming sacrilege without evidence. These acts, among others, reveal a pattern of violence that bypasses legal systems.

Kangaroo Courts and Moral Policing

Nihangs, traditionally revered as Sikh warriors, are increasingly accused of acting as self-appointed judges: their kangaroo courts—informal tribunals lacking legal authority—issue punishments for perceived moral or religious violations. In the Phagwara incident, the accused Nihang, Ramandeep Singh, publicly justified the killing as a defense of faith. Such actions suggest a parallel governance structure where Nihangs enforce their own rules, often with deadly force.

“They’re running a state within a state,” said Ravneet Singh Bittu, a BJP leader from Punjab. “This vigilante justice undermines law and order.” Bittu’s remarks echo growing concerns that Nihangs exploit their cultural status and right to carry weapons, like kirpans and swords, to intimidate and punish.

In August 2023, a Nihang father in Amritsar killed his teenage daughter for visiting a friend’s house, dragging her body through the village. This brutal act of moral policing shocked locals, highlighting how Nihangs sometimes target their community members. Similarly, in Delhi’s Tilak Nagar in 2022, two Nihangs killed a Zomato delivery agent for smoking in a Sikh-dominated area, deeming it disrespectful.

Insulting the Nihang Legacy and Sikh Identity

The Nihang order, historically known for defending Sikhism during turbulent times, is rooted in valor and discipline. However, these criminal acts betray that legacy. Sikh leaders have voiced alarm over the damage to their community’s reputation. “Nihangs are meant to protect, not terrorize,” said Giani Buta Singh, a respected Sikh scholar. “Those committing crimes in our sacred attire are betraying Guru Gobind Singh’s teachings.”

The misuse of Nihang attire by imposters further complicates the issue. In several cases, such as the Tarn Taran murder in July 2024, where seven men in Nihang dress killed a man over a financial dispute, police suspect that criminals disguise themselves as Nihangs to exploit their feared status. This not only sullies the Nihang robe but also casts a shadow over Sikhism’s image as a faith of courage and compassion.

Rising Communal Tensions and Public Outrage

The violence has sparked fears of Hindu-Sikh tensions, particularly after incidents like the April 2025 attack on a Hindu temple, where Nihangs allegedly stormed in, brandishing swords and shoving an elderly man. Social media platforms like X are ablaze with posts condemning the attacks and accusing authorities of leniency. “Punjab is slipping into chaos,” one user posted. “Nihangs act like they’re above the law.”

The Jalandhar restaurant attack, where Nihangs mocked the Hindu owner’s sacred thread, has intensified these concerns. “Such acts fuel division,” warned a local Sikh leader, requesting anonymity. “We must unite against this lawlessness.” The incidents evoke memories of Punjab’s militant past, raising fears of renewed communal strife.

Calls for Legal Reforms and Accountability

Public outrage has led to demands for stricter oversight of Nihangs’ weapon-carrying privileges. Critics argue that the right to carry kirpans and swords, granted under religious exemptions, is being abused. “Privileges come with responsibility,” said a Punjab police official. “We’re investigating these cases, but legal reforms are needed.”

In November 2023, Nihangs fired on police in Kapurthala, killing one constable during a scuffle. This brazen attack on law enforcement highlighted the challenge of confronting armed groups claiming religious legitimacy. Meanwhile, arrests in Ludhiana for robberies by Nihangs reveal a broader criminal trend, from looting to extortion.

A Path Forward: Balancing Tradition and Law

The Sikh community faces a delicate challenge: preserving Nihang traditions while curbing criminality. Leaders like Giani Buta Singh advocate for internal reforms, urging Nihang groups to expel imposters and enforce discipline within their ranks. “We must protect our faith’s honor,” he said. Community dialogues are emerging to address the misuse of sacred symbols and attire.

Authorities, meanwhile, are under pressure to act decisively. Punjab’s government has promised investigations, but critics demand faster arrests and trials. “The law must apply equally,” said Bittu, calling for a crackdown on vigilante groups. Strengthening police presence and regulating weapon use could deter future incidents without alienating the Sikh community.

Restoring Trust in Punjab

The recent spate of Nihang-related crimes has shaken Punjab, challenging its social fabric and the proud legacy of Sikhism. By running kangaroo courts and engaging in moral policing, these individuals—whether true Nihangs or imposters—are undermining the rule of law and the valor associated with the blue robe. As Punjab grapples with this crisis, swift action, community cooperation, and legal reforms are crucial to restoring trust and preventing further violence. The Sikh community’s reputation, built on centuries of bravery, must not be sullied by the actions of a few.