Gurdwara standoff in northern India enters third day as talks fail

ISLAMABAD: The tense standoff at a gurdwara in Rudraprayag district, in India's northern province of Uttarakhand, has entered its third day, as officials work to peacefully persuade a group of Sikh Nihangs occupying the building's roof to end their protest, local police and other government officials told the media.

Nihangs, also known as Akalis, are a traditional order of Sikh warriors, easily recognized by dark blue robes, tall conical turbans and dedication to martial arts. 

The situation developed on June 20 after a disagreement at the Sikh temple Nagrasu Gurdwara, where a group of Nihangs reportedly clashed with staff and local authorities. 

Police said that the Nihangs climbed onto the roof and initially refused to come down, insisting on the release of four of their members who had been arrested following a separate incident in Chamoli district on June 16.

While earlier reports indicated that a Sikh devotee had been taken hostage during the standoff, local police later alleged that there was no active hostage situation, assuring that everything was being closely monitored and remained under control.

Witnesses reported seeing one Nihang waving a sword from the rooftop and allegedly throwing stones and bricks down below. 

Security forces are maintaining a strong presence around the gurdwara.

Local officials said they have held several rounds of negotiations in recent days. Although some members of the group have come down from the roof, several Nihangs remain, despite repeated calls from authorities.

The dispute reportedly started when the Nihangs, travelling from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag, stopped at the gurdwara for a meal. 

They complained that they were treated poorly by the caretakers of the gurdwara, which sparked an argument and led to police involvement.

Authorities are reaching out to Nihang elders from Punjab for help in resolving the crisis through dialogue and to convince the remaining protesters to come down peacefully.

The standoff has the potential to become a flashpoint with thousands of pilgrims passing through the area on their way to Hemkund Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the world.