Dehradun, Jun 22: A standoff at Nagrasu Gurdwara in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district continued on Monday as a group of Nihangs remained inside part of the religious complex, demanding the release of four sect members arrested in connection with a clash in Chamoli district earlier this month.
The district administration said the situation was under control, with one more Nihang coming down from the rooftop during the day, leaving five still stationed on the terrace. Officials expressed confidence that the impasse would be resolved through dialogue and urged the public not to believe rumours, describing the episode as an internal dispute between the gurdwara’s sewadars and the Nihangs.
A heavy police force remains deployed at the gurdwara, while district officials, police and the gurdwara management committee continue talks with the group. Religious activities, including Ardaas, Langar and prayers, are continuing without disruption, authorities said.
Police said the standoff began on Saturday when the Nihangs allegedly entered the gurdwara armed with swords, spears, axes and kirpans, vandalised parts of the premises and confined an elderly Sikh devotee on the rooftop after locking access to the terrace.
According to the gurdwara management, the Nihangs had sought 50-60 rooms for supporters expected to join a protest against the arrest of four members of their sect. Tensions escalated after the request could not be accommodated.
The arrests stem from a June 16 clash in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district, where four Nihangs from Punjab were booked after an altercation over parking allegedly turned into a sword attack that injured four local residents. A Nihang was also injured in the incident.
The gurdwara management has alleged that the group damaged property, destroyed solar panels, cut off the water supply and pelted stones from the rooftop. More than 30 police personnel and over two dozen ITBP jawans remain deployed at the site, while the Uttarakhand government has ordered an inquiry into the Karnaprayag clash. (Agencies)
