A tense standoff between Nihang Sikh groups and police at the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border in Dehradun district ended in the early hours of Friday after hours of confrontation and negotiations with authorities.
The situation escalated on Thursday evening when a group of sword-wielding Nihang Sikhs attempted to break barricades in the Kulhal area while heading towards Uttarakhand. Security forces had already been placed on high alert following intelligence inputs about their movement.
The group was reportedly travelling from Himachal Pradesh towards Sri Hemkunt Sahib, while also demanding the release of four Nihang Sikhs arrested earlier in connection with a dispute in Chamoli district.
Officials said the standoff lasted for several hours before being defused through talks between police, district administration, and representatives of the group. The Nihangs eventually called off their protest and left the Race Course Gurdwara in Dehradun around 3:30 am under police escort.
According to reports, the confrontation traces back to a dispute on June 16 over a parking issue outside a hotel near the taxi stand in Karnaprayag. The incident allegedly escalated into violence, leaving five people, including a pilgrim, injured after swords were reportedly used.
Further tensions emerged when members of the group gathered at a gurdwara along the Badrinath Highway demanding the release of those arrested in the earlier clash, prompting heightened security across Chamoli and adjoining areas.
Authorities said the situation is now under control, while monitoring continues to prevent any further escalation.
