Uttarakhand (Lord Media): Tension continues for the fourth day in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district as Nihang Sikhs and police face off. Nihang Sikhs had seized the Nagrasu Gurdwara, taking two pilgrims hostage. Following police failure, the army has been called in.
The Nihang Sikhs demand the release of four of their members, arrested on June 16 in Chamoli over a parking dispute. However, negotiations have led to some improvement, with three Nihang Sikhs exiting the gurdwara and the hostages being freed.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann contacted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging for peace and resolution through dialogue. Mann offered full support to the Uttarakhand government.
Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that justice would be served. Senior police officer Rajeev Swaroop confirmed the safe release of the two hostages following negotiations.
The Chamoli incident involved a clash between Nihang Sikhs and locals over vehicle parking, injuring four locals and one Nihang Sikh. Understanding the history and traditional warrior role of Nihang Sikhs is crucial.
The Uttarakhand government has appointed senior police officials to conduct an impartial investigation to ensure the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage continues peacefully.
