“Sikh Tradition vs. Khalistan Extremism: Who Speaks for the Sikh Diaspora in Italy?”, Khalsa Vox, September 24, 2025:
“In the quiet town of Novellara, Italy, a local gurdwara recently became the stage for a troubling drama that reverberates far beyond Emilia-Romagna’s borders. According to social media posts, what began as a dispute over a religious festival spiraled into a violent clash between Nihangs and pro-Khalistani elements (PKEs) linked with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
The incident left four injured—one hospitalized—and has thrown into sharp relief the simmering tensions within sections of the Sikh diaspora.
At the heart of the confrontation was a simple ritual: Nihang Jathebandis, led by Jorawar Singh, intended to showcase traditional weapons as part of the Dussehra festivities at the Novellara Gurdwara. For the Nihangs, steeped in centuries-old martial tradition, this was a cultural and religious expression. But to the pro-Khalistani faction, the real grievance ran deeper—they accused the Nihangs of failing to support SFJ’s anti-India protests. What might have remained an internal disagreement over priorities instead escalated into violence, as ideology trumped dialogue……”
Read the full article at Khalsavox.com
