Nihangs storm Uttarakhand gurdwara, take manager hostage over arrests

A group of Nihangs allegedly stormed a gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, took the manager hostage and climbed onto the roof of the religious premises while demanding the release of four members of their group arrested in connection with a clash in Karnaprayag, police said on Sunday. A heavy police force has been deployed at the spot following the incident on Saturday, while efforts are underway to persuade the Nihangs to come down from the roof. Rudraprayag district magistrate and superintendent of police are present at the site to bring the situation under control. According to police, the Nihangs allegedly entered the gurdwara, vandalised the premises and took the manager with them to the roof, where they raised slogans. The group was carrying weapons including spears, swords, axes and kirpans, officials said, according to news agency PTI.

Protest over arrests after Karnaprayag clash

The Nihangs have been demanding the release of four Nihang devotees arrested in connection with a dispute that took place in Karnaprayag market on June 16. The incident occurred when a group of Nihang pilgrims returning after offering prayers at the Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara got into a war of words with locals over parking a vehicle near a hotel. According to police, the pilgrims allegedly attacked people from the other group with swords, injuring four individuals. Following the clash, four Nihang pilgrims from Punjab's Mohali district were arrested. Some Nihangs had earlier approached the managers of the Nagrasu gurdwara seeking support for a proposed sit-in protest on Sunday against what they described as "one-sided action" in the Karnaprayag incident. However, after they did not receive the expected support, they allegedly created a ruckus at the gurdwara.

Uttarakhand orders probe, urges restraint

The Uttarakhand government has ordered an inquiry into the Karnaprayag dispute, with state home secretary Shailesh Bagauli directing the inspector general of police (Garhwal) to conduct a fair and transparent investigation. Bagauli said action would be taken based on facts after hearing all parties involved. He also sought a status report from the additional director general of Police (Law and Order). The home secretary said it would be inappropriate to give a religious or communal colour to the matter and warned that action would be taken against those attempting to do so. He also appealed to pilgrims, local residents and other stakeholders to maintain restraint and rely on the legal mechanisms established by the administration and police for resolving disputes.

Restrictions imposed amid tension

In view of a proposed demonstration in Karnaprayag on Sunday, the administration has imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the area. The order will remain in effect until June 27. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and attempting to resolve the standoff at the gurdwara while maintaining law and order in the region.