The standoff between the Uttarakhand administration and a group of armed Nihang Sikhs, who have allegedly taken a Sikh devotee hostage inside a Gurdwara in Nagrasu, continued for the second day on Monday, officials said.
Authorities said Army troops have been deployed in the town to tackle any law and order situation arising from the ongoing standoff.
Sources said police personnel, along with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), remain deployed at the site. Officials said the Nihangs are demanding the release of four members of their sect who were detained by the authorities following a clash in Chamoli on June 16.
However, the Nihangs are refusing to vacate the Gurdwara. Multiple rounds of negotiations between the group and officials have failed to secure their evacuation from the sacred shrine.
Their refusal has forced the authorities to take preventive measures to protect the lives of people in and around the Gurdwara. Internet services in the area have also been suspended.
Three rounds of talks between the Nihangs occupying the Gurdwara and Rudraprayag DM Vishal Mishra and SP Niharika Tomar have failed to yield any result in the last 24 hours.
According to members of the Gurdwara Management Committee, a group of seven Nihangs is holed up on the second floor of the building.
“The state government will not allow social harmony to be disturbed. Instructions have been issued to the IG Garhwal for a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. Necessary action will be taken based on facts after hearing all parties,” Uttarakhand Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli said.
“A detailed status report on the entire matter has also been sought from the ADG, Law and Order,” he added.
Also read: Nihangs storm gurdwara in Rudraprayag, hold manager hostage
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