Punjab Nihangs Take Control of Uttarakhand Gurdwara; People Allegedly Held Hostage, Internet Services Suspended

June 21, 2026

A dispute that began on June 16 in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district, escalated late Saturday when Nihangs from Punjab took control of a gurdwara in Nagrasu, Rudraprayag, and held two people hostage. One captive was later released, while a sewadar (caretaker) remained confined. Police and administrative officials rushed to the spot, and as tensions intensified, the army sent ITBP personnel to restore order.

Heavy deployment of police, PAC, and ITBP remains in place, while the Nihangs continue to camp inside the gurdwara. Section 163 has been imposed in sensitive areas of Chamoli and Rudraprayag till June 27. Internet services have been suspended until further orders, and Rudraprayag DM Vishal Mishra is holding talks with the Nihangs to defuse the situation.

On 16 June, a clash occurred in Chamoli’s Karnaprayag market between Sikh pilgrims returning from Hemkund Sahib Yatra and local residents. One bike from a group of 5-6 bikers collided with a parked car in the market, after which the verbal argument quickly escalated into a physical fight.

In connection with the attack using sharp weapons during the dispute between local traders and Nihang pilgrims, police have arrested four accused. Of these, three have been sent to District Jail Pursari under judicial custody after being presented in court, while one accused is undergoing treatment under police custody.

3 demands of Nihangs

1. Action should be taken against local residents for the Karnaprayag incident: Nihangs have questioned the police action in the Karnaprayag incident. They allege that the police took one-sided action in the matter.

2. Companions should be released: Those who have been arrested in the case should be released immediately. Uttarakhand Police should ensure the safety of devotees coming to Hemkund Sahib.

3. FIR should be canceled: The FIR registered by Chamoli Police against those involved in the case should be canceled.

Complete incident in sequence

1. June 16: Clash in Karnaprayag market

The dispute began when a bike ridden by one of 5-6 Nihang pilgrims returning from the Hemkund Sahib Yatra collided with a parked car in Karnaprayag market. An argument turned violent, with some Nihangs allegedly attacking locals with swords and sharp weapons, injuring 3-4 people. A critically injured hotelier was airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. Protesters blocked the Badrinath National Highway for five hours, causing a 25-km traffic jam and disrupting the Char Dham Yatra. Chamoli DM Gaurav Kumar and SP Surjeet Singh Pawar later cleared the blockade. Police arrested four accused, three of whom were sent to Pursari Jail.

2. June 20: Ruckus at Nagrasu Gurdwara

Angered by the Karnaprayag incident, seven Nihangs staying at Nagrasu Gurdwara in Rudraprayag allegedly assaulted the gurdwara’s sevadar and a baba, and held another passenger hostage. They accused local authorities and gurdwara management of failing to act against those involved in the Karnaprayag clash. As tensions rose, the Nihangs climbed onto the roof with traditional weapons, locked themselves inside and hurled stones, triggering panic in the market area.

3. Security forces and ITBP deployment

Police and administrative officials rushed to the spot, and additional forces including PAC and ITBP personnel were deployed. ITBP and local police surrounded the gurdwara, while IG Garhwal Rajiv Swaroop and SP Rudraprayag negotiated with the Nihangs and brought them down peacefully. The situation is now under control and under constant surveillance.

4. Section 163 imposed, govt warns against rumours

Following calls for a march to Karnaprayag and intelligence inputs, SDM Alkesh Nautiyal imposed Section 163 of the BNSS in Karnaprayag Pargana from June 20 to June 27. Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli warned of strict action against anyone attempting to communalise the issue or spread rumours on social media. An impartial probe has been assigned to IG Garhwal Rajiv Swaroop, and a report has been sought from the ADG (Law and Order).

5. BJP leader’s message

BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt termed the incident unfortunate, saying all devotees are respected in Devbhoomi, but lawlessness and misconduct will not be tolerated. He said the Char Dham Cell has been activated round the clock and linked with the Hemkund Sahib Yatra for the convenience of pilgrims.