The stand-off at the Nagrasu Gurdwara had a ‘peaceful’ conclusion after some inter-state diplomacy, and intervention by Sikh groups from Punjab. This is being seen in the context of the coming assembly elections and the desire of political leaderships to prevent developments that may complicate matters. In that sense, it may be considered successful play by the Uttarakhand CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami, and the BJP, but the long term perspective needs also to be considered.
Given that no FIRs were lodged by those primarily affected by the incident – the Gurdwara management and those held hostage by the group of unruly Nihangs – it can be said that action may not have been legally required. However, the Nihangs did throw stones at the police and government officials. It may be said that, in certain circumstances and for a peaceful conclusion of the matter, such behaviour can be overlooked. The decision to transfer the investigation into the earlier incident at Karnprayag – that sparked the Nagrasu protest – from the Chamoli to the Haridwar police is also an attempt to make it seem an impartial inquiry.
However, the long term consequences of these actions cannot be predicted, particularly in Uttarakhand. Locals feel that they have been short-changed, which could lead to some resentment that might impact on voters’ choices. Perhaps the BJP wishes to communicate that the actions of a few should not have a wider impact, particularly as the entire affair was projected on social media as a Punjabi versus Garhwali issue. And, of course, the ‘Khalistani element also entered the scene with bomb threats being issued against ‘targets’ in Uttarakhand. This kind of intimidation needs to be dealt with and should not influence decision making, particularly the investigation into the Karnprayag incident.
There is also the issue of everyday law and order. Do Nihangs have the right to carry swords, axes, spears, even guns, in the name of the Kirpan? Do they have all-India licences for these guns? A decision needs to be taken soon in this regard, as no section of society should be allowed to break the law in Uttarakhand. Such a group may claim to have historic reasons for bearing arms, but these should be limited to symbolism. One does not see the Knights Templar or the Samurai doing in the present what they did in medieval times. If such behaviour is being witnessed in Uttarakhand, it is not difficult to understand what is happening in Punjab – why it is such a divided society today.
