Even as the Gurdwara hostage crisis remained unresolved on its third day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday that action would be taken against those spreading misleading information about the incident. He said that necessary action would be taken against guilty persons after the probe.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Dehradun, Dhami said action has already been taken against those found guilty during the investigation. Strict action will continue to be taken based on all established facts in the incident reported in Karnaprayag and Nagarasu. Dhami said that Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimages are being conducted smoothly this season.
The Chief Minister noted that Uttarakhand is home to three major sacred religious centers established by the Sikh Gurus: Hemkund Sahib, Reetha Sahib and Nanakmatta Sahib. These centres attract large number of devotees every year. Respecting these sites is an integral part of Uttarakhand’s culture and traditions.
He asked people spreading misleading information on social media not to attempt to divide communities. “legal action would be taken against anyone spreading misleading or inflammatory contents in Social media. All religious places are centers of faith, devotion, and inspiration, providing positive guidance to society. The state government’s clear position is that no act that harms an individual’s dignity or hurts any religion or faith will be tolerated in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. He emphasized that all issues can be resolved through dialogue, goodwill, and a harmonious environment,” said the Uttarakhand chief minister.
Dhami’s statement is the first comment on the ongoing Gurdwara stalemate at Nagrasu in the Chamoli district, caused by the adamant behaviour of a group of Nihangs who have occupied the Nagrasu Gurdwara for the past three days. On June 20, seven Nihangs climbed to the second floor of the Gurudwara and forcibly took control of the premises leading to bedlam. The Nihangs are protesting the arrest of four fellow devotees, whom the police apprehended on June 16 following a clash with local residents.
Nihangs have refused to evict the premises despite repeated attempts by the local administration and police officials to persuade them for the past three days.