Management alleges ‘fake Nihangs’ occupying Nagrasu Gurdwara
By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 21 Jun: The Nagarasu Gurdwara (located in district Rudraprayag) dispute has deepened with gurdwara operator Behant Singh levelling serious allegations against the Nihang Sikhs currently inside the shrine. Addressing the media here, today, Singh alleged that the Nihangs currently occupying the Nagrasu Gurdwara are fake Nihangs and that they not affiliated with any recognised Nihang organisation or Sikh committee. Singh also claimed that genuine Nihangs are always linked to registered institutions. He further alleged that a 60‑year‑old devotee was held hostage by these Nihangs for some time before being released later. The Police have begun investigation into the matter.
It may be recalled that the situation had escalated last evening when Nihang Sikhs arriving from the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage entered the gurdwara and created a commotion, leading to panic. Following the earlier clash in Karnaprayag on 16 June, where swords were reportedly brandished by the ‘Nihangs’ and some locals were injured, tension spread to Nagarasu Gurdwara Langar Dham Sahib. The Police and ITBP teams have since been deployed to persuade the ‘Nihangs’ to vacate, but they continue to remain inside. Internet services in the area have been suspended and two rounds of talks led by District Magistrate Vishal Mishra and Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar also failed. The local residents have alleged that Nihangs assaulted a sevadar and a baba, and removed notice boards. Eyewitnesses also stated that some Nihangs had climbed onto the roof with stones, spreading fear. Lights inside the gurdwara were switched off, prompting security agencies to move into high alert.
The Police have confirmed that eight persons are inside, including seven Nihangs, and that the efforts are continuing to bring them out peacefully. Heavy police and ITBP presence has been ensured around the shrine to safeguard the pilgrims and the residents. In Karnaprayag, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS have been imposed until 27 June, restricting gatherings of five or more persons, after calls by various organisations to march towards the town. The administration has appealed to citizens to maintain peace and harmony.
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli today warned that the government will not allow the incident to be given a communal colour and warned of strict legal action against those attempting to disturb social harmony. He said preliminary inquiry indicates the matter arose from a dispute between two groups in emotional fervour. IG Garhwal Rajiv Swaroop has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation, while ADG Law and Order has been asked to submit a comprehensive status report. The government has also strengthened grievance redressal mechanisms for pilgrims, linking the Char Dham cell with the Hemkund Sahib Yatra to function round the clock during the pilgrimage. Bagoli emphasised that misleading information on social media or attempts to inflame communal sentiments will be dealt with firmly, and urged devotees and citizens to exercise restraint and cooperate with the administration.
