Army Deployed At Uttarakhand Gurudwara Amid Nihang-Administration Dispute

Army personnel have been deployed in Nagrasu town of Rudraprayag district as a standoff continues at a local gurudwara between authorities and a group of Nihangs demanding the release of four arrested members. The situation has remained tense for over 40 hours, with negotiations ongoing between the administration and the group occupying the religious site.

The incident began on Saturday around 4 pm when approximately six Nihangs, reportedly armed with traditional weapons including spears, swords, axes, and kirpans, climbed onto the roof of the gurudwara and refused to descend. The gurudwara is located on the Rudraprayag–Gauchar route and serves as a key stop for Sikh pilgrims travelling to and from Hemkund Sahib.

According to officials, the group is demanding the release of four Nihangs who were arrested following a clash in Karnaprayag in Chamoli district on June 16. During that earlier incident, the individuals were allegedly involved in a violent altercation in which several locals sustained injuries, leading to their arrest by police.

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Security forces, including personnel from the police and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have been stationed at the site to maintain order and assist in negotiations. Authorities said efforts are underway to persuade those on the rooftop to come down peacefully and resolve the situation through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar stated that discussions between the administration, police, and gurudwara management committee have been ongoing and have shown some progress. She noted that one of the individuals had briefly come down to speak with officials, indicating partial engagement in the negotiation process, while talks with the remaining members continued.

Officials have also clarified that no hostage situation is currently confirmed, although conflicting claims have emerged regarding brief detentions during the early stages of the incident. The district administration has urged the public not to spread rumours and to rely only on verified updates from authorities.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra confirmed that religious activities at the gurudwara, including prayers and community kitchen services, are continuing without disruption. He added that the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage remains unaffected and is proceeding normally despite the ongoing security situation in the area.

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