A violent power struggle between rival factions of pro-Khalistani elements (PKEs) over the control of the Guru Nanak Sahib Gurudwara in Vilvoorde has once again escalated, leading to internal divisions, legal battles, and even fatal repercussions.
The dispute centers around two groups vying for control of the Gurudwara’s management committee, funds, and logistics to further their Khalistani activities. One faction is led by Resham Singh, the current President of the Gurudwara, while the opposing camp is led by Joginder Singh and Pyara Singh Gill. The ongoing conflict has deeply divided the local Sikh community, with each group attempting to assert dominance over the religious institution.
A History of Conflict
The Guru Nanak Sahib Gurudwara has a tumultuous past, having been previously shut down in 2016 due to internal violence and allegations of harboring illegal migrants. Reopened in May 2022, the Gurudwara was once again forced to close in November 2022 following a fierce power struggle among its leaders. Despite reopening in January 2023, tensions have remained high, culminating in recent violent incidents.
Local authorities have struggled to maintain order, with Vilvoorde Mayor Hans Bonte previously issuing a restrictive order in November 2022 to close the Gurudwara amid concerns of unrest. However, a recent ruling by the Dutch Enterprise Court favored Resham Singh’s faction, ordering the rival committee led by Joginder Singh to pay €1,800 in legal compensation.
Murder of Pro-Khalistani Activist Sparks Further Tensions
The internal feud took a deadly turn on January 15, 2025, when Belgium-based pro-Khalistani activist Bakhtawar Singh Bajwa, also known as Balora, was brutally attacked in his home in Schayckstraat, Zwijnaarde, Ghent. Despite being hospitalized, he succumbed to his injuries on January 17. Bakhtawar Singh, originally from Hadiabad, Phagwara, Kapurthala in Punjab, India, was a close associate of Resham Singh, and his murder is believed to be linked to the ongoing Gurudwara conflict, particularly a dispute that arose on December 15, 2024, between Resham Singh and Gurmeet Singh.
Following his death, Balwinder Singh, President of the European Sikh Organization (ESO), took to social media on January 21 to demand a thorough investigation by European authorities. He suggested that a powerful force might be behind Bakhtawar Singh’s murder, given his history of participating in protests supporting farmers’ rights and opposing the arrest of Amritpal Singh, the Chief of Waris Punjab De.
Gurdwara’s Future Uncertain Amid Khalistani Influence
Both factions remain locked in a bitter battle to control the Gurudwara and its substantial resources. Their efforts to propagate anti-India and pro-Khalistani narratives have further fueled unrest within the community. With ongoing legal disputes, increasing violence, and deepening divisions among Belgian Sikhs, the future of the Guru Nanak Sahib Gurudwara remains uncertain.
Authorities are now under pressure to intervene decisively before the escalating violence claims more lives and disrupts the peace in Vilvoorde and beyond.
