NORTH-Sikhs versus Nirankaris

were building up between the strong and assertive community of Sikhs, especially the orthodox section which constitutes the majority, and the liberal- minded, distinctly unorthodox sect known as the Nirankaris. There have been very few open clashes between the Sikhs and this comparatively small sect all these years, but the undercurrents of discord remained in view of certain basic differences in approach towards the 10 Gurus and their teachings. While the Nirankaris do not identify themselves with any particular religion and claim to be a secular sect which admits spiritual-minded people of all religions, the Sikh faith is a distinct one and its followers obey the Lactates of their Gurus.