Barnala, Punjab (Oct. 06): The Rashtriya Swayam Sewak (RSS) activists armed with rifles, naked swords and sticks held a “flag march” in Barnala city of Punjab on Sunday (Oct. 05). RSS district chief R. K. Bias (Purchase inspector Punjab AGRO) led this march with a rifle on his soldiers.
Activists of other Hindutva bodies, including Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal (BD) also participated in this march. The participants were wearing white shirts, Khaki knickers and black topis. Three Sikhs were also spotted as taking part in this march.
Pupils of Sarvhitkari Vidya Mandir School also ‘participated’ in this march in RSS dress code with small sticks on their soldiers.
The growing activity of Hindutva extremist organization is a cause of concern in Punjab. RSS chief has paid four visits to the state in last few months which is quite unusual. RSS recently organized it’s sub-continent level camp in Punjab.
During one of his visits to Punjab the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also held a meeting with Beas based Dera Radha Soami. The meeting was held at Mansa in the month of May (2014).
Given the communal and extremist nature of RSS activities, the increase in RSS activities in Punjab is an ominous sign for the state that has a historic rift between the Sikh and Hindu population. RSS is offensive against the Sikh religion as it tends to bring Sikhs under Hindu fold. The Punjabi Hindus have aligned with the RSS on this point which results in resentment from the Sikhs.