Nihang Sikh protests and standoff over arrests after Uttarakhand clash
In June 2026, four Nihang Sikhs were arrested after a sword clash with locals at a gurdwara in Karnaprayag, Uttarakhand. Their arrest sparked protests by over 150 Nihangs who breached police barricades at the Himachal-Uttarakhand border (Kulhal checkpoint) and camped at Paonta Sahib gurdwara, demanding release. After negotiations, the standoff ended peacefully, with the administration promising to expedite bail. A related hostage incident at Nagrasu gurdwara was also resolved earlier.
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Nihang-police standoff in Uttarakhand ends after talks, group returns to Himachal
The Hindu reports that a standoff between Nihang Sikh protesters and police at the Himachal-Uttarakhand border in Dehradun ended peacefully in the early hours of June 26, 2026, following negotiations. The Nihang group, which had set out from Mohali, Punjab, declared they would not return to Punjab until four Nihang members arrested in connection with the Karnprayag incident were released. After hours of tension, including a breach of barricades by some protesters, the group agreed to return to Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh under police escort. Senior officials, including Dehradun SSP Pramendra Dobal and DM Ashish Chauhan, confirmed the amicable resolution, thanking the Sikh community for their cooperation. The protest was related to a recent dispute at the Karnaprayag market and a gurdwara in Nagrasu.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Arrested Nihang Sikhs in Uttarakhand Clash May Seek Court Bail
Four Nihang Sikhs arrested in connection with a June 16 clash in Karnaprayag, Uttarakhand, are expected to seek bail in the coming days, according to official sources. The clash escalated from a minor dispute into a sword attack that left several people injured. The arrests led to a three-day standoff at Nagrasu gurdwara in Rudraprayag, ending after a Sikh delegation intervened. Additionally, a group of Nihangs forcibly entered Uttarakhand through the Kulhal border on June 25 demanding the release of the arrested men but were persuaded to return to Paonta Sahib. If the court grants bail, the administration may allow the four to return to their home state, Punjab. Police remain vigilant but border movement is normal.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnaprayag Clash: Arrested Nihang Sikhs Likely to Seek Bail for Return to Punjab
The four Nihang Sikhs arrested in connection with a June 16 clash in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, are expected to approach a court for bail, according to official sources. The dispute, which began as a minor altercation and escalated into an alleged sword attack, left several people injured. If granted bail, the administration may allow them to return to their home state of Punjab, a move anticipated to ease regional tensions. The arrests previously triggered a three-day standoff at the Nagrasu gurdwara in Rudraprayag, resolved on June 23 after talks with a Sikh delegation. Subsequently, on June 25, a group of Nihang Sikhs forcibly crossed the Kulhal border from Himachal Pradesh demanding the release of the arrested individuals but were persuaded to return to Paonta Sahib. Police remain on alert, closely monitoring the situation while maintaining normal border movement.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Over 150 Nihangs camp at Paonta Sahib gurdwara, refuse to leave until arrested members released
More than 150 Nihang Sikhs are camping at Paonta Sahib gurdwara in Himachal Pradesh, demanding the release of four members arrested after a June 16 clash with locals in Karnaprayag, Uttarakhand. The violence injured several locals and one Nihang. On June 25, a Nihang jatha breached police barricades at the Himachal-Uttarakhand border while attempting to march to Hemkund Sahib, leading to clashes. The standoff ended on June 26 after the Uttarakhand administration requested two days to address their demands. The Nihangs have suspended their protest march but warn of renewed agitation if the arrested members are not released. In a related incident on June 20, Nihangs took an elderly man hostage at a gurdwara in Rudraprayag, demanding the release of the arrested members; the shrine was vacated on June 23 after negotiations.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Nihang Sikhs breach barricades at Uttarakhand border, march towards Hemkund Sahib demanding release of arrested members
On June 25, 2026, a large group of Nihang Sikhs from Punjab clashed with police at the Himachal-Uttarakhand border, breaching security barricades at the Kulhal checkpoint in Vikasnagar and proceeding towards Hemkund Sahib. The protesters, armed with swords and rods, demanded the release of four Nihang members arrested in connection with a June 16 dispute at Karnprayag gurdwara, where violence erupted between Nihangs and locals. Police had fortified the border area in anticipation, but a section of protesters broke through. Talks between district officials and the group failed to resolve the standoff. The Nihangs declared they would not return to Punjab until their members were released, though police assured them bail would be processed soon. The incident follows tensions over the Karnprayag clash, with the Sikh community accusing authorities of biased action.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.