Nagrasu Gurudwara standoff simmers down, precautionary measures in place
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun/Jyotirmath
Tensions were witnessed at the Gurudwara in Nagrasu in Rudraprayag district on Sunday as a group of Nihang Sikhs remained on the top floor of the religious structure for more than 24 hours. After three rounds of talks with the administration, the Nihangs released the Sevadar who had allegedly been held inside the Gurudwara.
According to officials, around five to six Nihangs allegedly from Punjab reached the Gurudwara on June 20. They were unhappy with police action taken after the Karnprayag clash. They reportedly climbed to the rooftop carrying swords and refused to come down. The group allegedly threatened anyone who tried to approach them. The authorities also received information that a Sevadar and an elderly devotee were being held by the group against their will.
The Rudraprayag district magistrate Vishal Mishra and superintendent of police Niharika Tomar held two rounds of discussions with the Nihangs. Police teams spent nearly three hours trying to convince them to leave the rooftop. However, the group remained firm on its demands and the talks ended without any solution. Gurudwara management members also continued their efforts to persuade them. Mishra said that the situation is normal with routine activities being held in the Gurudwara. He said some disturbance had been caused by an internal dispute while stressing that people should not believe rumours spread on social media. The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is also continuing in an orderly manner, he added.
As a precautionary measure, security has been tightened in the area and personnel from the ITBP, police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed. Authorities in Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts have also imposed Section 163 in sensitive areas until June 27.
Gurudwara manager Behant Singh made several allegations against the group. He claimed that the Nihangs were not associated with any recognised Nihang organisation. He also alleged that they damaged the Gurudwara’s solar power system and stopped the water supply, causing difficulties for people staying there. According to the management, the group is demanding the release of three Nihang Sikhs who were jailed after a violent dispute with locals in Karnprayag on June 16. Police officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and are making all efforts to ensure that the matter is resolved peacefully.
Notebly, a clash broke out on June 16 in Karnaprayag market of Chamoli district between Sikh pilgrims returning from the Hemkund Sahib Yatra and local residents. During the clash between locals traders and Nihangs, swords were allegedly used by the visitors. Police arrested four accused in connection with the incident. Of them, three were sent to Purasadi Jail in judicial custody after being produced before a court, while one accused remains under treatment in police custody.
The Nihangs have questioned the police action taken after the Karnaprayag clash. They allege that action was taken only against members of their group and have demanded action against local residents as well.
