A Dera sect leader is shot dead in Vienna, and a train goes up in flames in Jalandhar, Punjab - the riots continue...
The ongoing dispute and distaste between Sikhs and the unpopular Sikh Sect known as the Dera Sach Khand is no secret. The past few years have been marked with loud and sometimes violent protests between both groups. Those who don't know much about the topic may ask, "Well aren't they all Sikhs? So what's the difference?" And this is a good question to ask. The answer however is that there is a fundamental difference. Orthodox Sikhism does not believe in a living Guru. After the Tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sikhs observe the holy Guru Granth Sahib as the Word of God and as The Guide towards Truth. Dera followers on the other hand believe in living gurus and their practices are a long list of things that orthodox Sikhism has never included. There's no time to get into that yet.
What something is or isn't - I highly doubt that after centuries of it existing it will just up and disappear. Let's face it people - Dera sect isn't going anywhere.
What concerns us now at this time is the violence that is increasing and reaching across the world. Two of the Sect's leaders were shot as they preached in a Temple in Vienna. One was killed and the other has been said to be in stable condition.
The Dera sect followers, upon hearing about this attack, have reacted by rioting in Punjab against Orthodox Sikhs by lighting cars, buses, and even whole trains on fire.
It's getting out of control.
No one was able to suppress this sect back in the 14th century or anytime between then and now, so what makes people think that they can do so now? The argument used is that the Dera leaders show grave disrespect towards the holy Guru Granth Sabhib. What the Dera leaders have been preaching and doing - they've been doing for centuries.
However, is violence the only way to stop them from doing this? If the choice is between violence which will undoubtedly include hurting innocents or unsuccessful dialogue, then I say it's better to let God deal with them and judge them. Endangering innocents who stand on the sidelines and have nothing to do with the debate is just plain wrong. Riots are never about one person, nor do they only touch one person or one group. Many innocents are hurt and lives are completely destroyed. So leave it and let the higher beings deal with it. Just focus on your own life and live it as honestly as you can.
Let's not forget what all of us Sikhs were put through 25 years ago.
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