A tense situation continued at a gurdwara in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district after a group of Nihang Sikhs from Punjab allegedly occupied the premises following a dispute linked to an earlier clash in Chamoli.
Authorities have intensified security measures in the area, while negotiations aimed at resolving the standoff have so far yielded limited progress.
According to officials, the developments stem from a June 16 altercation in Karnaprayag involving Nihang pilgrims returning from the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. The dispute reportedly began after a motorcycle collided with a parked car in the town’s main market, leading to a confrontation that later turned violent. Several people were injured in the incident, and police subsequently arrested four individuals in connection with the case.
In the aftermath of that clash, a group of Nihangs staying at a gurdwara in Nagarasu, Rudraprayag, allegedly protested what they described as inadequate action against local individuals involved in the Karnaprayag incident. Authorities said the group took control of parts of the gurdwara premises and briefly held two persons against their will. One individual was later released, while a gurdwara attendant reportedly remained inside during the standoff.
Officials said members of the group refused repeated requests to engage in dialogue and allegedly warned security personnel against entering the premises. Senior district and police officers, including Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar and District Magistrate Vishal Mishra, visited the site and attempted to persuade the group to cooperate with authorities.
As a precautionary measure, internet services were suspended within a radius of around 15 kilometres surrounding the area. Additional police personnel, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) units and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams were deployed to prevent any deterioration in the law-and-order situation.
Authorities said the situation was eventually brought under control after security forces secured the area and continued negotiations with those inside the gurdwara. However, tension remained in parts of Rudraprayag and neighbouring Chamoli district, prompting the administration to enforce prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in sensitive areas until June 27.
Meanwhile, political and community leaders have also reacted to the developments. Manpreet Singh Ayali of the Waris Punjab De party described the alleged assault and mistreatment of Nihang youths during the Karnaprayag incident as unfortunate and said justice should be ensured for those affected. He stated that efforts were being made to raise the matter with the Uttarakhand government and seek action against those responsible.
Separately, family members of some of the individuals involved in the original Karnaprayag incident have sought an impartial investigation. In a representation to police authorities, they urged officials to conduct a fair probe and take legal action against all those responsible for violence, injuries and property damage.
The Uttarakhand administration has maintained that a comprehensive investigation is underway. State officials have also warned against attempts to spread misinformation or give the issue a communal colour on social media, stating that strict action would be taken against those found circulating rumours.
Officials said law-enforcement agencies are continuing to monitor the situation closely to ensure peace and maintain public order in the region, particularly along routes used by pilgrims travelling to Hemkund Sahib and other religious destinations.