{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Five Nihang Sikhs Barricade Themselves on Gurudwara Roof in Uttarakhand, Refuse to Leave Until Arrested Companions Are Freed",
  "summary": "Five Nihang Sikhs have occupied the third and fourth floors of a gurudwara in Nagrasu, Uttarakhand, for three to four days, demanding the release of four companions arrested over a sword-wielding incident in Karnaprayag on June 16. The Dhami government has transferred the investigation to the Haridwar SSP, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has spoken with CM Dhami over the standoff.",
  "content": "A serious standoff has gripped a gurudwara in Nagrasu, Uttarakhand, where five Nihang Sikhs have been holding the building's third and fourth floors for the past three to four days. The group is refusing to come down until four of their companions, arrested in connection with a recent sword-wielding episode, are released from custody. Police and district administration officials are stationed below, holding continuous talks with the barricaded Nihangs, but the deadlock has yet to be resolved.\n\n \n\nThe Incident That Set This Off\n\nThe current crisis has its roots in a sword-wielding incident that took place in Karnaprayag on June 16. Police arrested four Nihang Sikhs in connection with that episode. The remaining Nihangs, angered by these arrests, climbed to the upper floors of the gurudwara from Saturday onward and declared they would not leave until their fellow Nihangs were freed. This latest flare-up follows earlier tensions that had already been building in both Karnaprayag and Nagrasu.\n\n \n\nSerious Allegations Against Those Barricaded Inside\n\nThe five Nihangs occupying the gurudwara face grave allegations. Reports indicate that during the standoff they took two of the gurudwara's sewadars hostage, subjecting them to verbal abuse and physical assault. The sewadars have since been released. Beyond this, there have been accounts of weapons being brandished inside the gurudwara premises, and bricks being thrown from the rooftop toward neighboring houses. These incidents have left the surrounding community gripped by fear and a deep sense of insecurity.\n\n \n\nGovernment Transfers Probe, Punjab CM Steps In\n\nAs Sikh organizations and the minority commission turned up the pressure on the state government, the Dhami government responded with a significant administrative move, stripping the investigation from Chamoli police and handing it over to the Haridwar SSP. A cross FIR has also been registered against unidentified persons in the case. The allegation that Nihang Sikhs were produced before authorities without their dastar (turban) will be probed separately by a DIG-rank officer. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami about the matter.\n\n \n\nHemkund Sahib Pilgrimage Continues Without Disruption\n\nDespite the turmoil in Karnaprayag and Nagrasu, the pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib, one of Sikhism's most revered shrines, has continued without disruption. The shrine's doors opened on May 23, and exactly one month later, more than 1.27 lakh pilgrims have made the journey there. Over 5,000 devotees are arriving at the site every day. The regional controversy has had no visible impact on the flow of pilgrims heading to Hemkund Sahib.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: This standoff tests whether the government applies a consistent standard in law-enforcement situations involving religious communities, and how it balances faith-community sensitivities with public order.\n• In Uttarakhand: Residents near Nagrasu and Karnaprayag remain in a climate of fear; pilgrims travelling to Hemkund Sahib should stay informed of administration advisories while passing through the region.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Why are the Nihangs occupying the upper floors of the gurudwara?\nFour Nihang Sikhs were arrested following a sword-wielding incident in Karnaprayag on June 16. The remaining Nihangs have been occupying the third and fourth floors of the gurudwara since Saturday, demanding the release of their arrested companions.\n\n2. How many Nihangs are inside and for how long?\nFive Nihang Sikhs have been stationed on the third and fourth floors of the gurudwara for the past three to four days.\n\n3. What happened to the sewadars at the gurudwara?\nThe Nihangs held two sewadars hostage, subjected them to abuse and physical assault, but subsequently released them.\n\n4. What action did the Dhami government take?\nThe Dhami government transferred the investigation from Chamoli police to the Haridwar SSP, and a cross FIR was also registered against unidentified persons.\n\n5. Who will investigate the allegation that Nihangs were produced without their dastar?\nA DIG-rank officer will probe the allegations that Nihang Sikhs were produced before authorities without their dastar (turban).\n\n6. What role has Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann played in this matter?\nPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami about the standoff.\n\n7. Has the controversy affected the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage?\nNo, despite the tensions in Karnaprayag and Nagrasu, the pilgrimage continues unaffected, with more than 1.27 lakh pilgrims visiting Hemkund Sahib since its doors opened on May 23.\n\n8. How many pilgrims visit Hemkund Sahib each day?\nMore than 5,000 devotees are reaching Hemkund Sahib every day.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-ke-gurudvare-men-tina-chara-dina-se-date-pancha-nihang-giraphtara-sathiyon-ki-rihai-taka-hatane-se-inakara-2418",
  "category": "Uttarakhand",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-23",
  "tags": [
    "Nihang Sikh controversy",
    "Uttarakhand Gurudwara",
    "Karnaprayag sword incident",
    "Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage",
    "Bhagwant Mann",
    "Dhami government",
    "Nagrasu Gurudwara",
    "Nihang arrest"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}