Karnaprayag Tensions Prompt Govt Inquiry, Section 163 Imposed Till June 27

The Uttarakhand government has ordered a probe into the recent clash between Nihang Sikh pilgrims returning from Hemkund Sahib and local residents in Karnaprayag town of Chamoli district, even as authorities appealed for calm and warned against attempts to communalise the incident.

State Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli said on Saturday that the Inspector General of Police (Garhwal) has been directed to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry into the June 16 incident. A detailed status report has also been sought from the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) .

"The matter should not be viewed through a religious lens," Bagauli said, adding that action would be taken against individuals attempting to give the dispute a communal colour . He assured that authorities would examine all facts and hear all parties before taking further action.

The dispute reportedly began in Karnaprayag market when a disagreement broke out over the parking of a vehicle near a hotel. The confrontation escalated between some Nihang Sikh pilgrims, who were returning after paying obeisance at Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara , and local residents.

According to police, the clash turned violent, with some pilgrims allegedly attacking locals with swords. Four local residents were injured , while a Sikh pilgrim also sustained injuries during the altercation. Subsequently, four Sikh pilgrims from Punjab's Mohali district were arrested in connection with the incident.

The episode sparked tensions in the area and drew attention due to the involvement of pilgrims returning from the annual Hemkund Sahib Yatra , one of the most significant Sikh pilgrimages in the country. Videos and claims related to the incident circulated on social media, prompting authorities to stress the need for restraint and verification of facts.

In view of a demonstration called by a community group in Karnaprayag on Sunday, the district administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the area. The restrictions will remain in force until June 27 to maintain law and order.

The state government has urged pilgrims, local residents and community leaders to maintain peace and rely on legal channels to address grievances while the investigation is underway.