News for 'Sikhs'

Sajjan Kumar, jailed in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, dies

Sajjan Kumar, jailed in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, dies

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, has died. He was convicted in two separate cases related to the killings of Sikhs during the riots and was lodged in Tihar Jail.

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh MLAs and cabinet ministers will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 regarding the anti-sacrilege law. This decision follows a closed-door meeting in Amritsar, where Mann stated that representatives would present their views in writing. The Akal Takht had summoned Sikh legislators and ministers over objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which it claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth. Mann also addressed accusations of challenging the Akal Takht's authority and criticised political appointees for one-sided decisions.

BJP summons MPs for visiting Sajjan Kumar's residence

BJP summons MPs for visiting Sajjan Kumar's residence

Rediff.com3 days ago

BJP President Nitin Nabin has summoned three Delhi MPs, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and Yogender Chandolia, expressing strong displeasure over their controversial visit to the residence of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. This action comes amidst strong condemnation from other BJP leaders and highlights the ongoing political sensitivity surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Police detain 2 Nihang Sikhs after brutal sword assault on trader in Bihar

Police detain 2 Nihang Sikhs after brutal sword assault on trader in Bihar

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Two Nihang Sikhs have been taken into custody in Patna for allegedly attacking a trader with swords, severing two of his fingers. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred late Wednesday evening near Harmandir Gali. The victim, Gurucharan Singh Lamba, is now stable after receiving treatment at AIIMS Patna.

Sajjan Kumar remark: Cong leader seeks Deepender Hooda's CWC ouster

Sajjan Kumar remark: Cong leader seeks Deepender Hooda's CWC ouster

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Congress MLA and former Haryana Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Sharma has urged Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to remove Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda from the Congress Working Committee (CWC) over his remarks praising former party leader Sajjan Kumar.

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Rediff.com4 days ago

There is a strong opinion within the BJP in Punjab that the party must now stand on its own two feet and dump the badly compromised SAD baggage.

Sikh couple shot dead in Pakistan gurdwara

Sikh couple shot dead in Pakistan gurdwara

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A Sikh caretaker couple was tragically shot dead inside a gurdwara in Mardan, Pakistan. Police have launched an investigation, forming special teams and utilising forensic resources to identify the assailants. Local lawmaker Suresh Kumar has condemned the incident, expressed concerns over the handling of evidence, and demanded swift arrests, threatening protests if progress is not made within 24 hours.

2 injured in stabbing at Canada gurdwara, attacker held

2 injured in stabbing at Canada gurdwara, attacker held

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Two men, including a priest, were injured after a 27-year-old man stabbed them with a screwdriver inside a gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada. The suspect, who has a history of violent attacks and was recently released from prison, has been arrested, and police are investigating whether the incident was hate-motivated.

Chandigarh tense as march seeking Beant Singh assassin release turns violent

Chandigarh tense as march seeking Beant Singh assassin release turns violent

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Chandigarh police on Saturday used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who tried to breach barricades during a march towards Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.

Nihangs hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof of Gurudwara in Rudraprayag, army deployed

Nihangs hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof of Gurudwara in Rudraprayag, army deployed

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

A group of Nihangs, armed with traditional weapons, stormed a gurdwara in Rudraprayag, taking a Sikh devotee hostage on the roof to demand the release of four sect members arrested after a clash in Chamoli.

UK Sikh man's conviction sparks riots, scrutiny of kirpan laws

UK Sikh man's conviction sparks riots, scrutiny of kirpan laws

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Large crowds gathered in Southampton on Tuesday evening as officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stood in riot gear near the home of Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing 18-year-old Henry Nowak to death.

British Sikh man get life term for murdering university student

British Sikh man get life term for murdering university student

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 23-year-old British Sikh man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a teenage student in Southampton, with the judge highlighting the racial tensions the case has ignited across the UK.

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Rediff.com30 May 2026

British Sikh groups are cautioning against calls to ban the kirpan in the UK following the murder conviction of a man who claimed to carry the knife for religious reasons, arguing that it unfairly targets the entire community.

Pannun murder plot: US court to announce sentence on Nov 20

Pannun murder plot: US court to announce sentence on Nov 20

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A US federal court has postponed the sentencing of Nikhil Gupta, who admitted guilt in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, to November 20. The delay was requested by the "intended murder victim" to allow for their participation in the sentencing hearing.

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Rediff.com4 days ago

A bipartisan US body claimed that religious freedom conditions in India remained on the downward trajectory in 2026, citing restrictions on activities of NGOs, censorship and transnational repression.

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

Waris Punjab De fields Indira assassination convict's son in state polls

Waris Punjab De fields Indira assassination convict's son in state polls

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Akali Dal Waris Punjab De has announced Satwant Singh, son of Kehar Singh (convicted in Indira Gandhi's assassination conspiracy), as its candidate for the Bassi Pathana constituency in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. This move highlights the party's 'Panthic' principles and focus on families who sacrificed for the Sikh Panth.

Tension mounts as Nihangs camp in Himachal seeking release of arrested Sikhs

Tension mounts as Nihangs camp in Himachal seeking release of arrested Sikhs

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Over 150 Nihangs are camping at Paonta Sahib gurdwara in Himachal Pradesh, refusing to return to Punjab until four members of their sect, arrested in Uttarakhand following a clash with locals, are released. The group had previously attempted to force entry into Uttarakhand and clashed with police, leading to an ongoing standoff.

British Sikh Man Convicted Of Murder In Kirpan Case

British Sikh Man Convicted Of Murder In Kirpan Case

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A British Sikh man has been convicted of murder after claiming he used a kirpan in self-defence. The case has raised questions about the legal parameters around carrying a kirpan in the UK.

'I surrender, I surrender': Sewadar said after attacking Badal

'I surrender, I surrender': Sewadar said after attacking Badal

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked inside a gurdwara near Nanded, Maharashtra, by a 'sewadar' (volunteer) named Jaspal Singh. The accused, a Pune resident, has been arrested, and police are investigating his motive, though he initially cited anger over the drug menace in Punjab. Badal sustained minor injuries and is stable.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

'Some forces want to disturb Punjab peace': Badal after Nanded attack

'Some forces want to disturb Punjab peace': Badal after Nanded attack

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal underwent a 90-minute surgery for a 'kirpan' attack injury sustained inside a gurdwara in Nanded and is now stable, with doctors repairing a tendon and ulnar artery nerve.

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Rediff.com7 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that hearings of applications for citizenship under the CAA will soon be over, and so far the state has issued certificates to 23,000 people out of 2.30 lakh applicants.

SC to hear plea against Dera chief's acquittal in scribe murder case

SC to hear plea against Dera chief's acquittal in scribe murder case

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea against the Punjab and Haryana high court order acquitting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the 2002 murder case of a journalist.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

President Murmu approves 78 gallantry awards, 13 posthumous ahead of I-Day

President Murmu approves 78 gallantry awards, 13 posthumous ahead of I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumously, to the personnel of the defence forces and central armed police forces on the eve of 80th Independence Day.

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasised the importance of Sikh Gurus' teachings at the Baisakhi Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, highlighting the government's efforts to promote these values and support the Sikh community.

'Get the...out of my country': Elderly Sikh man attacked in Canada

'Get the...out of my country': Elderly Sikh man attacked in Canada

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

An elderly Sikh man was assaulted in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, by a youth who yelled racist slurs. Police are investigating the incident as a hate-motivated assault.

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier verdict that a person from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community loses their SC status upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, effective from the moment of conversion.

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Akal Takht gives Punjab govt one month to address anti-sacrilege law objections

Akal Takht gives Punjab govt one month to address anti-sacrilege law objections

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj has given the Punjab government one month to address objections regarding the anti-sacrilege law, the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which he claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth and interferes in religious affairs.

Ghajini Actor Pradeep Rawat Passes Away at 74

Ghajini Actor Pradeep Rawat Passes Away at 74

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Veteran Indian actor Pradeep Rawat, celebrated for his portrayals in films like Ghajini and Lagaan, passed away after a prolonged battle with blood cancer.

NEET Protest: Jantar Mantar turns community kitchen, food becomes symbol of solidarity

NEET Protest: Jantar Mantar turns community kitchen, food becomes symbol of solidarity

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

At Jantar Mantar, where students are protesting the NEET paper 'leak' and demanding the Education Minister's resignation, volunteers have transformed the site into a community kitchen, providing a steady supply of food and refreshments as a powerful expression of solidarity.

British Sikh Runners Raise Thousands At London Marathon

British Sikh Runners Raise Thousands At London Marathon

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Two British Sikh runners, Baldev Singh Bains and Manny Singh Kang, participated in the 2026 London Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for charity. Bains ran in memory of Fauja Singh, aiming to fund a community sports club, while Kang raised money for Dementia UK.

Police complaint against 'Dhurandhar 2' for 'hurting' Sikh community

Police complaint against 'Dhurandhar 2' for 'hurting' Sikh community

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

In a poster of the film, Singh is depicted wearing a turban, long beard, and 'kada' (bracelet), which are considered sacred symbols of the Sikh community, as per the complainant, 'Sikhs in Maharashtra'.

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for the immediate passage of the women's reservation bill and the delimitation bill, advocating for a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for all states to ensure fair and equitable representation.

10 Sequels That Came With Longest Gaps

10 Sequels That Came With Longest Gaps

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Awarapan 2, featuring Emraan Hashmi, is set to release 19 years after its original, joining a growing trend of long-delayed Bollywood sequels attempting to capitalise on nostalgia and past successes like Gadar 2 and Border 2, but not all such reboots guarantee box office triumph.

No Indian link to Nijjar murder, says Canadian police, refutes Trudeau's claim

No Indian link to Nijjar murder, says Canadian police, refutes Trudeau's claim

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Canadian police have found no evidence linking Indian government officials to the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, directly contradicting earlier allegations by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that strained bilateral ties.

'Boycott Mann' posters surface across Punjab after Akal Takht edict

'Boycott Mann' posters surface across Punjab after Akal Takht edict

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Hoardings calling for the social boycott of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have surfaced at several places including Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Amritsar in the state.

3 Big Lessons From Main Vaapas Aaunga

3 Big Lessons From Main Vaapas Aaunga

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'Making a film -- good or bad -- is extremely hard work, involving hundreds of people and at least two years from idea to release. When the audience rejects it, it is known to push makers into depression. And then there is the danger of theatres stopping the screenings after week one if footfalls don't improve.'