Uttarakhand: A delegation of Sikh leaders associated with the Akali Dal ‘Waris Punjab De’ met Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth in Dehradun on Sunday and demanded the release of four Nihang Sikh youths arrested in connection with the recent Karnaprayag incident.
The delegation raised concerns over the police action following a clash that took place in Karnaprayag town of Uttarakhand on June 16. According to the Sikh leaders, the dispute began over a minor issue between local residents and Nihang Sikh youths visiting the area.
They alleged that Uttarakhand Police acted in a one-sided manner by registering a case only against the Nihang Sikhs while ignoring the role of others involved in the confrontation.
The delegation also objected to the manner in which the arrested youths were produced before a court, claiming that they were presented without their turbans, an act they said had deeply hurt Sikh religious sentiments.
The issue has already drawn strong reactions from several Sikh religious and community bodies. The matter was taken up by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, while leaders of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Damdami Taksal and various Sikh organisations also expressed concern over the incident.
The Sikh leaders urged the Uttarakhand Police chief to ensure a fair investigation and review the arrests, maintaining that justice should be delivered without bias. The delegation said it would continue to pursue the matter until the concerns of the Sikh community are addressed.
Police officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the demands raised during the meeting.
