Delegation Visits Uttarakhand to Defuse Tensions
A delegation of the Shiromani Akali Dal 'Waris Punjab De' arrived in Uttarakhand on Sunday to address the atmosphere of fear following a violent clash between Nihang Sikh pilgrims and local residents in Karnaprayag on June 16. The delegation included Tarsem Singh, father of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh; Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa; MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali; and Harjinder Singh, a member of the managing committee of Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan, Sohana. They left from Gurdwara Sohana Sahib near Chandigarh.
Background of the Incident
The clash occurred when Sikh pilgrims returning from Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib were involved in a dispute with local residents over a vehicle parking issue near a hotel in Karnaprayag market. The argument escalated into violence, with police alleging that some pilgrims used kirpans (ceremonial swords) during the confrontation. Four persons were injured, including a Sikh pilgrim. Subsequently, four Sikh pilgrims from Mohali district, associated with the Sohana Gurdwara, were arrested. They were identified as Mantri Singh (also reported as Manpreet Singh), Jasanpreet Singh, Ajay Singh, and Satwinder Singh, all aged between 21 and 23 years.
Political and Religious Dimensions
The incident has taken on religious and political overtones, prompting intervention from Sikh religious authorities and heightened security along the Hemkund Sahib Yatra route. A party activist stated that the delegation aimed to address the 'atmosphere of fear' regarding the safety of Sikh devotees. 'It was a one-sided action by the Uttarakhand Police. This has hurt Sikh sentiments and could vitiate communal harmony. Our delegation has travelled from Punjab to Uttarakhand to protect pilgrims, assess the situation and provide on-ground support,' he said.
Government Response and Security Measures
Uttarakhand Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli directed the Inspector General of Police (Garhwal) to conduct a fair and transparent investigation. A status report has been sought from the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). The Home Secretary assured that action would be taken against anyone attempting to give the incident a communal colour. In response to a call for a demonstration by a community in Karnaprayag on Sunday, the administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the area, effective until June 27. Security has been tightened in Karnaprayag to prevent further unrest.
