A breakthrough was achieved on Monday in the tense standoff at Nagarasu Gurdwara in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, with two Nihang Sikhs descending from the rooftop after more than 40 hours, following sustained talks with the administration and police.
Authorities said efforts are continuing to persuade the remaining Nihang Sikhs stationed on the roof to come down peacefully through dialogue.
“Positive results have emerged from the talks. Two Nihang Sikhs have come down from the roof and are currently in discussions with the administration and police. Dialogue is continuing with the remaining Nihang Sikhs as well,” Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said.
Tomar also cautioned against misinformation circulating on social media, describing many reports as misleading and baseless. She specifically refuted claims that anyone was being held hostage inside the gurdwara and dismissed reports suggesting the deployment of military forces as entirely false.
District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said the situation around the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage remained peaceful and under control.
“The Hemkund Sahib Yatra is continuing smoothly. Ardas, langar services and the movement of pilgrims inside the gurdwara are functioning normally,” he said.
The standoff began on the evening of June 20 when around half a dozen Nihang Sikhs climbed onto the roof of the Nagarasu Gurdwara, located between Rudraprayag and Gauchar on the Badrinath Highway. The group allegedly blocked access to the rooftop while demanding the release of Nihang Sikhs arrested in connection with a violent incident in Karnaprayag on June 16.
The dispute in Karnaprayag reportedly began following an altercation between Nihang Sikhs and local residents in the market area. Several people were allegedly injured in a sword attack, while a Nihang Sikh identified as Manpreet Singh also sustained injuries during the clash.
Subsequently, four Nihang Sikhs, including Manpreet Singh, were arrested by the police.
Eyewitnesses said the Nihang Sikhs on the rooftop continued receiving food and essential supplies during the standoff. They were also alleged to have resorted to occasional stone-pelting to prevent attempts to apprehend them.
On Sunday, Gurdwara manager Sardar Beant Singh had claimed that the Nihangs briefly held a person hostage before later releasing him. However, police have not confirmed the allegation.
The Nagarasu Gurdwara serves as an important stop for Sikh pilgrims travelling to and from the Hemkund Sahib shrine and has remained operational throughout the incident.
Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against unidentified persons at Karnaprayag police station based on a complaint filed by the father of injured Nihang Sikh Manpreet Singh.
To ensure an impartial probe, investigations into both cases connected to the Karnaprayag incident have been transferred from Chamoli district to Haridwar district.
In addition, the Uttarakhand Police Headquarters has directed Deputy Inspector General of Police Yashwant Singh to investigate allegations raised by several Sikh organisations regarding police conduct during and after the Karnaprayag incident. The DIG has been asked to submit a report within two weeks.
Authorities remain hopeful that continued dialogue will lead to a peaceful resolution of the rooftop protest without any further escalation.
