Another Nihang leaves Uttarakhand gurdwara as standoff with management continues

One more Nihang has come down from the gurdwara roof in Rudraprayag while five remain on the terrace as talks continue between the administration and the group amid hopes of an early resolution.

In Short

• Officials said situation remained controlled amid continuous talks with Nihangs
• Police alleged group vandalised premises and held an elderly devotee hostage
• Management said the dispute began after demands for 50-60 rooms

One more Nihang came down from the roof of a gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag on Monday, leaving five members of the group still stationed on the terrace as the administration continued talks to end the standoff.

The district administration said the situation was under control and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved soon. Officials also warned against the circulation of misleading information, saying the incident was an internal dispute between the gurdwara's sewadars and the Nihangs.

The standoff began on Saturday evening when a group of Nihangs allegedly entered the gurdwara, armed with weapons including swords, spears, axes and kirpans. According to police, they vandalised parts of the premises and took an elderly Sikh devotee hostage on the rooftop.

A large police force was deployed after the incident, with officials from the district administration and the gurdwara management committee holding continuous talks with the group.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said the dialogue had shown positive progress, with one of the Nihangs coming down from the roof to interact with officials and police. Talks with the remaining members are continuing.

District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said the Nihangs had locked the third floor leading to the terrace, where the elderly man was allegedly being held.

The gurdwara management claimed that the Nihangs had demanded 50-60 rooms to accommodate supporters expected to arrive for a proposed protest against the arrest of four members of their sect. When the request could not be fulfilled, the group allegedly resorted to violence and took control of the upper floor of the building.

According to gurdwara manager Beant Singh, the Nihangs arrived from Mohali around 4 pm on Saturday and demanded arrangements for dozens of rooms for protesters. After the request was not accepted, they allegedly created a disturbance, moved to the third floor, blocked access to the terrace and held a person hostage.

The administration has maintained that pilgrimage activities, including prayers and langar services, continue as usual at the gurdwara.

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