Nihang Sikhs gurdwara hostage standoff in Rudraprayag as police hold talks

A group of Nihang Sikhs armed with spears and swords reportedly stormed a gurdwara in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, and took a Sikh devotee hostage on the roof. They are demanding the release of four members arrested after a June 16 clash in Chamoli. Police and district officials say the area is peaceful and negotiations are ongoing.

Nihang Sikhs carrying spears and swords entered a gurdwara in Nagrasu and held a Sikh devotee hostage. Police said the group took the person to the roof. The Nihangs demanded the release of four sect members arrested after a clash in Chamoli on June 16. Officials said the standoff began on Saturday evening and continued on Sunday.

Police deployed a large force at the gurdwara as talks carried on. An officer said police were speaking with one Nihang to end the hostage crisis. The district administration said the situation remained peaceful and under control. The third floor leading to the terrace was locked, according to a statement from District Magistrate Vishal Mishra.

Nihang Sikhs standoff in gurdwara draws police and district talks

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said several groups were in contact with the Nihangs. The police, district team and the gurdwara committee stayed in regular dialogue. Tomar said the talks showed progress. One Nihang came down from the roof to speak. Communication with the others on the terrace continued, Tomar said.

The gurdwara committee said the Nihangs first asked for accommodation for more protesters. The demand was for 50-60 rooms for people joining a Sunday protest. The protest was planned over arrests after the Karnaprayag clash in Chamoli. The committee said the rooms could not be arranged. The Nihangs then turned violent and warned against any forceful action.

Nihang Sikhs accused of vandalism as hostage moved to rooftop

Police said the Nihangs damaged property before taking the devotee upstairs. The devotee was then taken to the rooftop, where slogans were raised. Police said the Nihangs carried spears, swords, axes, and kirpans. District officials said law and order teams stayed on site throughout the incident. The hostage was described as an elderly Sikh man.

Mishra said, An internal dispute took place inside the gurudwara. Police and administrative officials are present on site to maintain law and order. There is no disruption of any kind. Everything is proceeding peacefully.

Mishra said the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage was not affected by the dispute. Mishra added that routine services continued inside the gurdwara. Activities such as ardas and langar were still taking place. Officials kept monitoring the situation as negotiations continued. Police did not report any wider public disorder in the area.

Nihang Sikhs arrests linked to June 16 Karnaprayag parking clash

Police linked the demand to arrests after violence in Karnaprayag market. The clash took place on June 16 near a hotel over a parking issue. Police said a group was returning from Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara. The group reportedly argued with local people in the market. The pilgrims allegedly used swords, injuring four locals, and one Nihang was also hurt.

After the incident, police arrested four Nihangs, all from Mohali, Punjab. Later, some Nihangs contacted managers of the Nagrasu gurdwara. Police said they sought support for a Sunday protest. The request was linked to what the Nihangs called one-sided action in the Karnaprayag case. The Uttarakhand government ordered an enquiry into the Karnaprayag clash.

Police said Sardar Sukhdev Singh and Sardar Beant Singh built the Nagrasu gurdwara a few years ago. Police said the two handled the daily management of the site. The gurdwara stands between Rudraprayag and Gauchar on the Badrinath Highway. It serves Sikh pilgrims travelling to and from Sri Hemkund Sahib.

Beant Singh said the Nihangs reached the gurdwara from Mohali at around 4 pm on Saturday. Beant Singh said the group demanded 50-60 rooms for more arrivals. When that was not possible, Beant Singh said the Nihangs caused trouble. Beant Singh said they ran to the third floor, blocked entry, and held a man hostage.

Beant Singh said SP Tomar offered the Nihangs safe passage back to Punjab. Beant Singh said the assurance did not end the standoff. Officials continued discussions with the people on the roof. Police and the administration remained at the site. The situation stayed calm as the hostage crisis continued into Sunday.

With inputs from PTI