According to reports circulating on social media, a significant conflict has erupted among pro-Khalistani groups in Belgium, highlighting a growing divide over the control of a prominent Gurudwara’s proceedings. The ongoing tension has emerged as part of a wider struggle for influence and financial control within the Sikh diaspora in Europe, with similar incidents reported previously in Italy and France.
At the heart of the current discord is the Gurdwara Sangat Sahib in Sint-Truiden, a central hub for pro-Khalistani activities in Belgium. Two rival factions are vying for control of the Gurudwara’s leadership and its financial assets. One faction is led by Karnail Singh, Harpreet Singh, and Kripal Singh Bajwa, while the opposing group is headed by Balwinder Singh, Prithpal Singh Patwari, and Surjit Singh Khera.
Tensions reached a boiling point on October 1, when a flex banner displaying an image of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was found damaged. The banner had originally been displayed with the logo of the European Sikh Organization (ESO), a group associated with Balwinder Singh’s faction. Balwinder Singh quickly accused the opposing group, led by Karnail Singh and Harpreet Singh, of deliberately causing the damage. This accusation only fueled further animosity, leading to physical confrontations between members of the two factions.
The dispute over the damaged flex was just the latest in a series of clashes between the two groups. Sources suggest that the real issue driving the conflict is control over the Gurudwara’s significant funds, which are seen as a vital resource for promoting pro-Khalistani extremism in the region. Observers have noted that both factions seem more focused on securing financial and operational dominance rather than on upholding the religious sanctity and ethical principles of Sikhism.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of internal strife within pro-Khalistani elements in Europe, where control of Gurudwaras and their financial assets has increasingly become a flashpoint. Critics argue that such conflicts expose the real motives behind the so-called Khalistan movement, suggesting that certain leaders are more interested in exploiting the cause for monetary gain than in pursuing any genuine ideological or political goals.
The ongoing power struggle in Belgium is a worrying sign of deepening divisions within the pro-Khalistani diaspora, undermining the unity of Sikh communities across Europe. As these factions continue to vie for control, many fear that the Gurudwaras, traditionally places of worship and communal harmony, are being turned into battlegrounds for personal and political gain.
The situation in Belgium serves as a reminder that while pro-Khalistani rhetoric may speak of unity and a shared vision, the reality on the ground tells a much more fractured and contentious story.
