Uttarakhand Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli announced on Saturday that the state government has ordered a probe into the recent dispute that erupted in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district, between Nihang Sikh pilgrims returning from Hemkund Sahib and local residents. The Inspector General of Police (Garhwal) has been instructed to conduct a fair and transparent investigation.
Government orders investigation
Bagauli stated that a status report on the incident has been sought from the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). He emphasized that action would be taken based on facts after hearing all parties involved. The Home Secretary also urged all pilgrims, locals, and concerned parties to maintain restraint and rely on legal mechanisms established by the administration and police in case of any grievance.
Bagauli said it would be inappropriate to frame the matter as a religious dispute and warned that action would be taken against those trying to give the incident a communal colour.
Details of the incident
On June 16, a dispute arose between some Nihang Sikh pilgrims, who were returning after paying obeisance at the Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara, and locals in Karnaprayag market over parking a vehicle near a hotel. The pilgrims allegedly attacked people with swords, injuring four individuals. A Sikh pilgrim was also injured in the clash. Later, four Sikh pilgrims from Mohali district in Punjab were arrested.
Security measures imposed
In view of a call for demonstration by a community in Karnaprayag on Sunday, the administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the area. The order will remain in effect until June 27, restricting the assembly of people to maintain law and order.
