Warring Cong factions clash in Muktsar village, 2 of family killed

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, July 13

Enmity between two factions of the Congress (upper caste people and Dalits), which started during the panchayat elections at Jawahrewala village about six months ago, took a bloody turn today when one group attacked another, claiming the lives of two members of a Dalit family. Two another members of the same family were critically injured.

The rivalry started when sarpanch candidate backed by local leader Palwinder Singh Pappa lost the elections to a Dalit last year.

Recently, some development works started in the village under MGNREGA. Pappa and his associates wanted the work to be done through the administrator and not panchayat. However, the other faction got the work started through panchayat.

Irate over this, Pappa, Sukhwinder Singh Duggi and others today reached the spot where a street was being constructed. They started arguing with members of the Dalit faction. Duggi allegedly took out a weapon from a car and fired shots. Kirandeep Singh (25) and his sister-in-law Mini Rani (25) died on the spot. Kirandeep’s brothers Dharminder Singh and Gurjeet Singh too sustained bullet injuries. They were referred to Faridkot and their condition was stated to be critical.

A video of the incident has gone viral on the social media. Immediately after the incident, a large number of cops reached the spot and started investigation.

The Sadar police have registered a case of murder against 11 persons, including Pappa, Duggi, Prabhjot Singh (president of Youth Congress, Muktsar block), Angrej Singh, Jasvir Singh, Hardam Singh, Gujjar Singh, Gabbar Singh, Ishvar Singh, Sandeep Singh and Ranjit Singh.

Manjit Singh Dhesi, SSP, Muktsar, said, “We have arrested Pappa and Dugga. Efforts are being made to nab the remaining nine accused. The clash was a result of some old enmity between the two factions.” Harcharan Singh Brar, president, District Congress Committee, said, “I am shocked at the incident. I appeal to everyone to stay calm and work for the betterment of society.”