A major police operation was launched in Moers, western Germany, on Sunday after violence erupted at a local Gurdwara. Reports of gunfire and the presence of weapons triggered a rapid emergency response as a dispute escalated into a large-scale altercation involving dozens of individuals. Police have secured the area and are investigating the incident.
At least 11 people were injured in the violence. The injured were attended to at the scene. One person was detained, and the investigators found shell casings that suggested a blank-firing pistol may have been used.
Over 40 individuals were involved in the confrontation, with some allegedly using knives, pepper spray and even a gun.
Videos on social media showed a mass brawl with some pulling out kirpans as the altercation turned violent.
A witness claimed that “some miscreants started attacking us. They were carrying weapons and fired on us.” He further added that there were women and children inside the gurudwara when the violence broke out.
According to the German broadcaster WDR, the clash stemmed from a long-running internal administrative dispute within the community.
Tensions escalated following a recent election where the previous administration reportedly lost control. Members of the former management allegedly attempted a forced takeover.
Meanwhile, social media users blamed Khalistanis behind the attack. “This violence isn’t random. It’s the direct result of Khalistanis hijacking religious places while pretending to be “well-wishers” of the Sikh community. They turn Gurdwaras into battlegrounds for political agendas, power, and funds, shaming Sikhs worldwide,” wrote one user.
Violent clash in Germany gurdwara injures 11: Internal dispute or Khalistani link?
