New Delhi: A tense situation continued for the third consecutive day at a gurdwara in Nagrasu town of Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, where a group of armed Nihang Sikhs remained inside the gurdwara while negotiations with authorities are underway.
Security personnel, including police and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams, continued to monitor the area on Monday. Army personnel also reached the town as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing deadlock.
The dispute is linked to the arrest of four Nihang Sikhs following a violent altercation in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district, on June 16. According to police, the clash began over a parking-related disagreement and escalated into violence, leaving several local residents injured. Four Nihangs from Punjab were later arrested in connection with the incident.
Authorities said a group of Nihangs arrived at the Nagrasu gurdwara on June 20 and later demanded the release of the arrested men. The situation intensified when some members of the group allegedly barricaded themselves inside part of the shrine while carrying traditional weapons, including swords and spears.
The Rudraprayag superintendent of police, Niharika Tomar, stated that talks have shown progress, with at least one member of the group engaging directly with officials. Efforts are focused on resolving the matter peacefully.
Two individuals who had remained inside the gurdwara during the standoff have since been released. Authorities have maintained that the situation is under control and have urged the public not to spread unverified information online.
The gurdwara management committee alleged that the dispute worsened after disagreements over accommodation arrangements for supporters expected to participate in a protest demanding the release of the arrested Nihangs. The committee also accused some members of damaging property and creating disturbances within the premises.
However, district officials have denied reports suggesting that the shrine was forcibly taken over. The Rudraprayag district magistrate, Vishal Mishra, said religious activities, including prayers and langar services, have continued without interruption.
Internet services, which were temporarily suspended in parts of the district as a precautionary measure, have now been restored. Authorities said security arrangements will remain in place until the situation is fully resolved.