Tensions Ease at Uttarakhand's Nagrasu Gurdwara as Hostage Volunteer Released Following Nihang Sikh Protest The standoff at Nagrasu Gurdwara in Rudraprayag is beginning to resolve after protesting Nihang Sikhs released a hostage volunteer, though they continue to occupy the rooftop. A tense situation at the Nagrasu Gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district has started to cool down. The Nihang Sikhs, who had occupied the top floor of the shrine since Saturday, have released a Gurdwara volunteer they had reportedly held hostage. Despite this positive development, some Nihangs remain on the rooftop as the local administration continues talks to resolve the standoff. The Core of the Dispute and Demands The protest by the Nihang Sikhs stems from an earlier incident on June 16 in Karnaprayag, where a clash involving swords took place. The Nihangs occupying the top floor of the Nagrasu Gurdwara are demanding the immediate release of their associates arrested in connection with that sword-fighting case. Additionally, they are seeking police action and cases to be registered against the local traders and residents involved in the confrontation. Allegations of Vandalism and Disruption Detailing the ordeal, Baba Beant Singh of the Nagrasu Gurdwara management stated that the group arrived two days ago and initiated clashes, which included assaulting and abusing volunteers. Although they were provided shelter and food for the night, they restarted the fight the following morning. Upon spotting police outside, whom they feared had come to arrest them, the group rushed to the fifth floor. According to Baba Beant Singh, they broke walls, threw stones at the police, shopkeepers, and bystanders, and caused damage worth lakhs of rupees by vandalizing solar panels and cutting water lines. He added that the group has refused to eat Gurdwara food since yesterday, claiming they fear it might be poisoned. Official Response and Administrative Measures To prevent the spread of rumors and maintain order, the district administration temporarily suspended internet services in the area on Saturday evening. The suspension, which lasted for approximately 12 hours, was lifted on Sunday evening at around 5:20 PM. Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra and Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar have clarified that despite the tense standoff, the Gurdwara itself has not been captured, nor is anyone currently held hostage. DM Vishal Mishra emphasized that regular religious activities, including Ardas, prayers, and the community kitchen (Langar), are operating smoothly without any hindrance. Travelers and devotees are visiting and staying at the Gurdwara as usual. He urged the public not to pay heed to unfounded rumors of violence or ongoing hostage situations. Political Intervention and Dialogue The situation also drew political attention, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann initiating contact with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister. Mann emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution that takes into account the perspectives of both sides. He also reached out to the Sikh community in Uttarakhand, assuring them that the Punjab government remains prepared to offer any necessary assistance. Meanwhile, local officials continue to hold active dialogues with the protesting Nihangs on the rooftop to find an amicable solution, especially after a statement from one of the Nihangs suggested they might return home soon. What this means for you • Across India: Devotees and tourists planning to travel to Uttarakhand from different parts of the country should remain alert regarding local security updates and rely only on official administrative reports. • In Rudraprayag and Uttarakhand: Local residents and travelers can expect normal operations as peace has been maintained in the area, and communication channels are fully functional following the restoration of internet services on Sunday evening. Questions & Answers 1. Why are the Nihang Sikhs protesting at Nagrasu Gurdwara? They are demanding the release of fellow Nihangs arrested over a sword-fighting incident in Karnaprayag on June 16, as well as police cases against local traders. 2. Has the hostage situation at the Gurdwara been resolved? Yes, the Nihang Sikhs have released the Gurdwara volunteer who was held hostage, though some protesters still remain on the building's top floor. 3. What damages were reported at the Gurdwara? According to Baba Beant Singh, protesters damaged solar panels, cut off the water supply, broke walls, and threw stones, causing losses worth lakhs of rupees. 4. Was internet service suspended in the Rudraprayag region? Yes, internet services were temporarily suspended for about 12 hours starting Saturday evening as a precaution and were restored around 5:20 PM on Sunday. 5. Has the Gurdwara been completely captured by the protesters? No, DM Vishal Mishra clarified that the Gurdwara has not been captured and all regular religious services, including Ardas and Langer, are running normally. https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/rudraprayag-ke-nagrasu-gurudvare-men-tanava-kama-nihang-sikhon-ne-sevadara-ko-chhora-2287 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.