A five-member delegation of Nihang Sikhs met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his official residence on Wednesday, followed by a meeting with Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth at police headquarters. The delegation demanded a swift inquiry into the Karnaprayag incident and discussed security arrangements for upcoming pilgrimage events.
Resolution of Standoff Precedes Meeting
The meeting came a day after the peaceful resolution of a nearly 72-hour standoff at the Nagrasu gurdwara in Rudraprayag district, where a group of Nihang Sikhs had barricaded themselves on the premises. The delegation members who met the top state leadership were instrumental in negotiating the peaceful resolution on Tuesday.
Baba Ajeet Singh, a delegation member, told reporters after the meetings, "Today, we met the chief minister, who assured us that the incident in Karnaprayag is under investigation and that appropriate action will be taken once the inquiry is completed." He added that the DGP gave a similar commitment, stating an investigation is underway and suitable action will follow its findings.
Concerns Over Pilgrim Safety
The delegation also expressed concern about the safety and facilitation of devotees during upcoming religious events in Karnaprayag, particularly the Sangat (Sikh congregation) scheduled for Thursday. Both the chief minister and DGP assured the delegation that a thorough investigation is in progress and appropriate measures will be implemented to ensure pilgrim safety.
DGP Deepam Seth stated that the police and administration, along with various organisations, acted with patience and restraint to bring the situation under control in Karnaprayag and Nagrasu. He warned that strict legal action has been initiated against individuals spreading misleading, provocative, and fear-inducing content on social media.
Social Media Misinformation Targeted
"Regarding the recent incidents in Karnaprayag and Nagrasu in Rudraprayag district, the police and administration, along with various organisations, acted with patience and restraint to bring the situation under control. However, the use of objectionable and inappropriate language by some individuals has come to our notice, and such cases are being taken very seriously," Seth said. "Necessary directions have been issued to the concerned officials, and strict legal action has been initiated against those spreading misleading, provocative, and fear-inducing content on social media."
The DGP assured that the Char Dham Yatra and Hemkund Sahib Yatra are continuing smoothly, with all arrangements for pilgrims functioning properly. He requested visitors to respect local traditions, customs, and beliefs so that local sentiments are not hurt and to help maintain law and order.
Details of the Standoff
The standoff at the Nagrasu gurdwara, located between Rudraprayag and Gauchar on the Badrinath Highway, began on the evening of June 20. Around half a dozen Nihang Sikhs, armed with swords and spears, climbed onto the roof and blocked the entrance to the terrace. According to officials, the dispute started when a group of Nihangs demanded accommodation for upcoming demonstrations, which the gurdwara management could not fully provide due to limited capacity. The shrine was vacated peacefully on Tuesday after successful discussions between the local administration, gurdwara management, and the visiting sect members from Punjab.
This followed an earlier incident on June 16 in Karnaprayag, where a minor dispute between residents and another set of Nihangs escalated into violence. The Nihangs allegedly brandished swords, injuring a few locals, while one Nihang Sikh was also hurt. Police registered a case and arrested four Nihangs. A section of the Sikh community accused the administration of one-sided action.
DGP Seth reiterated that the Uttarakhand Police and administration remain fully committed to ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimages, welcoming all devotees.
