Karnaprayag-Rudraprayag dispute: Section 163 imposed after uproar by Nihang Sikhs, internet service stopped

These days, the atmosphere is quite tense in Karnaprayag and Rudraprayag, the famous pilgrimage places of Uttarakhand and the main stops of Chardham Yatra. Recently, the incident of fighting and sword fighting between a group of Nihang Sikhs returning from a visit to Hemkund Sahib and the local people has created a stir in the entire area. After this violent clash, security arrangements have been made extremely tight in both the cities. Although the administration says that the situation is currently under control, there is still an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among local residents and businessmen. After warning of agitation by Nihangs, as a precautionary measure, the administration has imposed Section 163 (prohibitory order like earlier Section 144) in both the sensitive areas, under which there is a ban on gathering of crowds.

1. Beginning and latest status of the dispute

This entire controversy started when there was an altercation between the Nihang Sikhs returning from the visit to Hemkund Sahib and the local people in Karnaprayag of Chamoli district, which later turned violent. According to the latest information, due to the promptness of the police and administration, there is peace in both the cities at present, but after receiving the warning of a new movement from the Nihangs, the administration is on full alert.

2. Uproar in Rudraprayag and allegations of hostage taking

Angered by the Karnaprayag incident, the Nihangs created a ruckus even after reaching Rudraprayag. According to eyewitnesses and local people, angry Nihangs beat up a servant present in the Gurudwara there. Not only this, they also took a passenger staying there hostage for some time, due to which fear spread among the passengers.

3. Threat of pelting stones by climbing on the roof of Gurudwara

The matter became more serious when some Nihang Sikhs climbed onto the roof of the Gurudwara with stones in their hands. He threatened to throw stones at the people present below. According to Kotwali in-charge Suresh Baluni, there were eight people including seven Nihangs present inside the Gurudwara, with whom the police is continuously trying to negotiate to get them out safely and peacefully.

4. Internet service shut down and Section 163 imposed

To avoid worsening of the atmosphere and to prevent any kind of rumor on social media, the administration has temporarily suspended internet services at both Karnaprayag and Rudraprayag places. Along with this, Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code has been implemented to maintain peace.

5. Deploying ITBP and heavy police force

Keeping in view the sensitivity, along with the local police force, the central force i.e. ITBP personnel have been deployed on the ground. These soldiers are patrolling around the main markets, roads and Gurudwaras of both the cities round the clock so that no untoward incident happens.

6. These two cities are the main centers of Chardham Yatra.

Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag are very important from geographical and religious point of view. Rudraprayag is considered to be the main center of Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra, from where the routes for both the Dhams diverge. At the same time, Karnaprayag is the main stop of Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath Yatra. Due to this uproar, some concern is being seen among the devotees coming for the yatra.

7. Government orders strict and impartial investigation

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and the Home Department are very serious regarding this matter. State Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli has given strict instructions to the Garhwal Inspector General of Police (IG Garhwal) to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the entire matter. Along with this, a detailed report of this entire incident has also been sought from the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order).

8. Strict action will be taken against those who give communal color

Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli has warned in clear words that giving religious or communal form to this dispute in any way will not be tolerated. Any elements who will try to spread hatred in the society or give it a communal color by taking advantage of this incident, very strict and punitive action will be taken against them under the law. The administration has appealed to all the devotees and local people to maintain restraint and peace.