Nihangs storm Rudraprayag gurdwara, take devotee hostage over arrested members

Rudraprayag: A group of Nihangs, armed with spears and swords, allegedly stormed a gurdwara here and took a Sikh devotee hostage on the roof of the shrine to demand the release of four members of the Sikh sect who were arrested following a clash in Chamoli on June 16, police said on Sunday.

A heavy police force was deployed following the standoff that began on Saturday evening and continued for more than 24 hours, with the district administration saying on Sunday that the situation is fully under control. Police sources present at the scene indicated that the six Nihangs who are holed up on the rooftop of the gurdwara have agreed to release the hostage after negotiations with authorities.

Also read: Nihang Sikhs impose symbolic 'Khalsa tax' on HP vehicles at Punjab border point


However, a statement issued by the DM made no mention of an agreement with the Nihangs who have locked the third floor leading to the terrace, and have been holding an elderly Sikh devotee hostage since Saturday evening.