Uttarakhand: Tension prevailed in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district after a group of Nihang Sikh devotees allegedly created a disturbance at a gurdwara in Nagrasu and climbed onto the roof of the religious premises while demanding the release of Sikh pilgrims arrested in connection with a recent clash in Karnaprayag.
According to police, the incident took place on Saturday when the Nihang devotees sought the release of their associates who were arrested following a confrontation in Karnaprayag market on June 16. The protesters were reportedly carrying traditional Sikh weapons, including spears, swords, axes and kirpans.
A heavy police force was deployed at the site, while Rudraprayag District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police reached the spot to monitor the situation and hold talks with the protesters in an effort to restore normalcy.
Officials said the dispute stems from an altercation that occurred near Krishna Palace Hotel in Karnaprayag when a group of Nihang Sikhs returning from Sri Hemkund Sahib allegedly got into an argument with local residents over vehicle parking. The clash left four local residents and one Sikh devotee injured.
Following the incident, police arrested four Sikh devotees from Mohali district in Punjab. Claiming that the police action was one-sided, a section of Nihang Sikhs from Punjab had announced plans to stage a protest and sought support from the management of the Nagrasu gurdwara.
Sources said tensions escalated after the protesters allegedly did not receive the support they expected from the gurdwara management. They reportedly created a ruckus inside the premises, damaged property and confined a gurdwara functionary before climbing onto the roof and raising slogans.
Authorities said efforts were continuing to persuade the protesters to come down peacefully while maintaining law and order in the area.
