Nihangs Hold Sikh Devotee Hostage at Rudraprayag Gurdwara Over Arrests of Sect Members
A group of Nihangs, armed with traditional weapons, stormed a gurdwara in Rudraprayag on Saturday evening and took a Sikh devotee hostage on the roof. The action is in protest against the arrest of four sect members following a clash in Chamoli on June 16, police said on Sunday.
Heavy police deployment occurred after the standoff began, and negotiations continued into Sunday. District authorities stated the situation is fully under control and peaceful.
Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar confirmed that dialogue is ongoing with the Nihangs. “One of the Nihangs has come down from the roof to speak with the administration, and discussions with the remaining individuals are continuing,” she said.
District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said the Nihangs have locked the third floor leading to the terrace where the elderly Sikh man is being held. The gurdwara management reported that the Nihangs demanded 50-60 rooms to house protesters against the arrests. When the demand could not be met, they resorted to vandalism and took the devotee hostage.
The Nihangs are armed with spears, swords, axes, and kirpans. Police have assured safe passage back to Punjab, but the standoff persists.
The incident stems from an altercation on June 16 in Karnaprayag, where four Nihangs were arrested after a clash over parking. The Nihangs allegedly attacked locals with swords, injuring four, while one Nihang was also hurt. The group had been returning from Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara.
The Uttarakhand government has ordered an inquiry into the Karnaprayag clash. Meanwhile, the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage continues uninterrupted, and activities like 'ardas' and 'langar' are proceeding normally at the gurdwara.
