On June 22, 2026, a standoff at the Nagarasu gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district concluded peacefully after a group of Nihang Sikhs vacated the premises. The group had occupied the shrine since the evening of June 20, demanding the release of fellow Nihangs arrested in connection with a June 16 incident in Karnaprayag. District Magistrate Vishal Mishra confirmed that the gurdwara management and police collaborated to resolve the situation without violence, urging the public to ignore rumors.
Details of the Standoff
Approximately half a dozen Nihang Sikhs stormed the Nagarasu gurdwara, located on the Badrinath Highway between Rudraprayag and Gauchar, on June 20. They climbed onto the roof and blocked the terrace entrance, demanding accommodation for upcoming demonstrations. Gurdwara manager Sardar Beant Singh stated that the management could not fully meet the demand due to limited capacity, leading to escalation. The Nihangs then moved to higher floors and remained on the roof, receiving food and supplies while occasionally resorting to stone-pelting to avoid apprehension.
Resolution and Impact
On June 22, a delegation of Nihangs from Punjab arrived and negotiated with the group, resulting in the peaceful evacuation of the premises. Eyewitnesses reported that the Nihangs had held a person hostage briefly but later released him. District Magistrate Mishra assured that the ongoing Shri Hemkund Sahib and Shri Kedarnath Dham pilgrimages are proceeding smoothly under full police vigilance. The Nagarasu gurdwara, built a few years ago, serves Sikh devotees traveling to and from the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage.
Background of the Conflict
The standoff followed a violent clash on June 16 in Karnaprayag, where a minor dispute between local residents and Nihang Sikhs escalated. Nihangs allegedly brandished swords, injuring several locals, while one Nihang was also hurt. Police registered a case and arrested four Nihangs. A section of the Sikh community accused the administration of one-sided action. In response, the state police headquarters assigned Deputy Inspector General of Police Yashwant Singh to investigate allegations regarding police conduct in the Karnaprayag incident, with a report due within two weeks.
