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In Nagarasu, Rudraprayag district, tensions persist for a third consecutive day at a Gurudwara involving Nihang Sikhs. Currently, at least four Nihangs remain inside the Gurudwara armed with spears and swords, demanding the immediate release of four fellow Nihangs arrested on June 16 during a dispute with locals over parking in Karnprayag.

During this standoff, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reached out to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami via phone, urging him to resolve the situation peacefully through dialogue. He also assured that the Punjab government would provide any necessary assistance.

Throughout the day, discussions continued between local authorities, supported by a heavy police presence and personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) stationed nearby. A senior official indicated that the DIG of Uttarakhand has been tasked with overseeing the investigation into both the Nagarasu and Karnprayag incidents.

According to police reports, the conflict arose during a 'Langar' event on Saturday evening, leading the Nihangs to barricade themselves inside the Gurudwara and take two individuals, including a 'sevadaar' (volunteer), hostage.

By late Monday night, three out of seven Nihangs had left the premises. Nagarasu, a small town, is located approximately 15 kilometers from Karnprayag and about 200 kilometers from Dehradun. Inspector General Rajiv Swaroop stated that after extensive discussions between the Nihangs and local officials, one hostage was released on Saturday, while the 'sevadaar' was freed on Sunday night. Currently, four Nihangs remain inside.

Contrary to widespread misinformation on social media, they have reported no issues with the police or local residents. The Nihangs have denied any connection to the recent altercation in Karnprayag, asserting that attempts to link the two incidents are unfounded. The altercation in Karnprayag resulted in two FIRs, one against unidentified individuals for attacking a Sikh pilgrim and another against the Nihangs, leading to the arrest of four members. However, the two incidents are unrelated, with the Nagarasu dispute stemming from an internal matter.

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