Are Khalistani groups moving into Germany, making gurudwaras their new battleground? It would appear so after Sunday’s armed clash inside the Duisburg Gurudwara in Germany, resulting in injuries to 11 people.
The police in Germany are yet to comment on the clash, perhaps the first of its kind in the country, but social media has erupted in anger and sorrow over this development in the gurudwara.
One post likened the Khalistanis to the Islamic State and Hamas, warning that they “destabilise every region they touch.” Another lamented that as a Sikh, he felt “ashamed to see such acts.” A third accused the Khalistanis of disgracing the teachings of Sikhism and Guru Nanak.
But as has been seen in Canada, the US and Australia, the Khalistanis are not listening. With the US and Canada hardening their stance on Khalistani activities, it seems their activists are seeking fresh pastures, and Germany is one.
The intention seems clear: to control the money generated by Gurudwaras and use it for their purposes, which could cover a range of criminal activities, from drug trafficking to terrorism directed at India.
Shocking scenes from Gurdwara in Duisburg, Germany: Sikhs fighting inside, turbans in the air, kirpans (meant to protect the weak) turned on each other. A person in the video says it started over Golak (our religious offerings!) and The previous management, who lost the election,… pic.twitter.com/pS3wFkuKdg
— Ravinder Singh Robin (@rsrobin1) April 20, 2026
“The background is a dispute between former committee members and the current ones. It also involves money belonging to the community. There have been problems and trouble for quite some time. But mainly it’s about influence and who has the say here in the temple,” a witness was quoted by local media as saying.
Another report said the clash in Germany was triggered over possession of the donation box, which is a standard feature in gurudwaras. It seems somebody wanted to contents of the donation box and there were objections. At this time, police are investigating all angles, including the financial issues involved in the management of the gurudwara.
