Breaking: Nihang Sikhs occupy Gurdwara, hold Sevadar hostage; Internet services suspended
Babushahi Bureau
Dehradun/Karnaprayag, June 21 2026: Tensions have intensified in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts after a group of Nihang Sikhs allegedly took control of a gurdwara and held a sevadar hostage following a dispute linked to recent clashes in Karnaprayag.
According to local reports, the latest developments stem from an altercation that took place earlier this week between Nihang Sikhs and local youths in Karnaprayag. The situation reportedly worsened on Saturday evening when a group of Nihangs arriving from Punjab occupied Nagrasu Gurdwara Sahib, located in neighbouring Rudraprayag district.
Sources said the Nihang group was upset with the gurdwara management for not publicly supporting their position regarding the Karnaprayag incident. During the occupation, a sevadar present at the shrine was allegedly taken hostage and remained under the group's control as of Saturday night.
Garhwal Range Inspector General of Police, Rajiv Swaroop, confirmed that senior officials were monitoring the situation and moving to the site to assess developments firsthand.
In response to the escalating tensions, authorities temporarily suspended internet services in the affected area to prevent the spread of rumours and maintain public order. Additional security personnel, including teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), have been deployed to the region.
Meanwhile, the administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in Karnaprayag, prohibiting public gatherings and restricting movement in sensitive areas. The measure is aimed at preventing further unrest and maintaining law and order.
The incident has raised concerns because it comes during the annual pilgrimage season to Hemkund Sahib, one of Sikhism’s most revered shrines. The affected area lies along the main pilgrimage route used by thousands of devotees travelling to the sacred site each year.
Officials in Uttarakhand’s Home Department have reportedly been placed on alert and are closely monitoring the situation. Authorities are working to ensure that the ongoing pilgrimage remains unaffected while efforts continue to restore normalcy in the region.
No reports of injuries have been confirmed so far, and security agencies remain engaged in negotiations and monitoring operations as the situation develops.