The standoff between Nihang Sikhs and the Uttarakhand administration at the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border ended on Thursday after several hours of talks. Most Nihang Sikhs dispersed peacefully, and normal life gradually returned to Dehradun and nearby areas.
The tension began after Nihang Sikhs announced a march into Uttarakhand over the Karnaprayag clash and the Nagrasu Gurdwara issue. Hundreds of Nihang Sikhs gathered near the Kulhal check post at the state border after spending the day at Gurdwara Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh.
As talks continued, police remained on high alert. Heavy security was deployed, and barricades were set up to stop any possible escalation. Later, many Nihang Sikhs returned to Himachal Pradesh as roads towards Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Mussoorie remained closed. A small group stayed at Gurudwara Gobind Nagar Race Course in Dehradun, where officials held further discussions.
Congress leader and Uttarakhand Sikh community representative Amarjeet Singh said the aim of the Nihang Sikhs was to resolve the issue peacefully and not create unrest. He also said the matter should not be seen as a conflict between the Sikh community and the people of Uttarakhand. According to him, all Nihang groups agreed to return after the discussions.
Although most of the situation remained peaceful, a small group of 15 to 20 Nihang Sikhs briefly tried to cross the barricades. Police stopped them and continued strict security checks at all major entry points. Drones and additional security forces were also deployed to monitor the area.
The current dispute is linked to two separate incidents during the ongoing Hemkund Sahib Yatra.
The first incident happened on June 16 in Karnaprayag, where a parking dispute reportedly turned into a clash between Nihang pilgrims and local residents. Several people were injured, and four Nihang Sikhs were arrested. Sikh organisations later protested, claiming the arrested Nihangs were produced in court without their turbans and questioning why no cross FIR was filed at first.
Following these objections, the Uttarakhand government ordered a fresh investigation under the Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police. It also directed police to register a cross FIR and ordered a DIG-level inquiry into the allegations.
The second incident took place at Nagrasu Gurdwara Langar Sahib in Rudraprayag. According to the gurdwara management, a dispute over food arrangements and administration escalated after police reached the premises. Officials alleged that some Nihang Sikhs damaged property and stayed inside the upper floors of the gurdwara for nearly three days before senior Sikh leaders convinced them to come out peacefully.
Police have clarified that the Karnaprayag clash and the Nagrasu Gurdwara incident are separate cases and are not connected. They have also appealed to people not to spread rumours or misleading information on social media.
Security remains tight across Uttarakhand as lakhs of devotees continue to visit the state for the Char Dham Yatra and the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. Authorities said they are in regular contact with Sikh leaders and are closely monitoring the situation to maintain peace.
