Sukhbir Badal attack: Who are Nihangs? Their history, weapons and Sikh warrior tradition explained

The attack on Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at Takht Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra’s Nanded has drawn attention to the role of Nihang groups in the wider Sikh political landscape.

Badal was attacked on Thursday by a Nihang identified as Jaspal Singh, according to sources. He suffered an injury to his hand, while a security personnel was also injured. Police took the accused into custody.

Intelligence agencies are examining the attack beyond the immediate assault, with sources saying the involvement of Nihang elements “cannot be seen in isolation”. Officials are looking at the timing of the incident, recent developments in Sikh politics and the possibility of fringe groups being used for political mobilisation.

Agencies examine wider political links

The attack came after Badal’s recent engagement with senior BJP leaders. His visit to Takht Hazur Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five supreme temporal seats, is also being examined for its political significance amid discussions over possible changes in Punjab’s political alignments.

Agencies are also studying the presence of Nihang groups at other recent protests. Intelligence inputs have referred to demonstrations linked to the Centre for Justice and Peace (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and an earlier controversy in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar involving a Nihang-linked group and a gurdwara.

Sources have alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and organisations such as CJP are aligned “in many ways” and may be attempting to use radical groups for political mobilisation. No evidence supporting the allegation has been made public, and neither AAP nor CJP has responded to these specific claims in connection with the Nanded attack, News18 reported.

Khalistan messaging also under scanner

Investigators are also examining the timing of pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun addressing Sikhs in Lahore from Washington, DC, a day before the Nanded attack.

However, intelligence agencies have not established any direct operational connection between Pannun’s speech and the assault on Badal, reported News18.

Who are the Nihang Sikhs?

The incident has renewed interest in the Nihangs, a traditional Sikh warrior order whose history is linked to the Khalsa established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

Nihangs follow Sikh teachings but have a distinctive tradition centred on religious discipline, martial training, weapons and horsemanship. They are traditionally recognised by their blue robes, known as bana, and distinctive turbans, often decorated with steel weapons such as chakrams.

Weapons have historically been central to the Nihang tradition. Along with the kirpan, members may carry swords, spears, daggers and shields. Their martial traditions are prominently displayed during Hola Mohalla.

Nihangs are part of the Sikh community

Nihangs are not a separate religion. They are a traditional order within Sikhism, with groups including Buddha Dal and Tarna Dal developing over the years.

Historically, Nihangs travelled in organised groups known as jathas and were associated with defending Sikh communities during periods of conflict. Some continue to follow communal or semi-nomadic practices, travelling with horses and participating in religious gatherings, martial demonstrations and community activities.

The investigation into the Nanded attack remains underway, with agencies examining both the immediate circumstances and the broader political and separatist messaging surrounding the incident.