Karnaprayag clash: Arrested Nihang Sikhs to move court for bail

DEHRADUN: The four Nihang Sikhs who were arrested following a clash in Karnaprayag in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district are likely to move court seeking bail in the coming days, officials said on Saturday.According to PTI, if bail is granted, the state administration may permit them to return to Punjab. The development is likely to ease tensions that arose after the June 16 incident in Karnaprayag.The arrest of the four had earlier triggered a standoff at Nagrasu Gurdwara in Rudraprayag district. The situation was resolved on June 23 after three days of negotiations involving a Sikh delegation.On June 25, a group of Nihang Sikhs allegedly entered Uttarakhand through the Kulhal border in Dehradun district, bordering Himachal Pradesh, demanding the release of those arrested.

However, officials persuaded them to return to Paonta Sahib.Authorities have clarified that the release of the accused will depend entirely on court orders. They said all legal procedures will be followed after bail is granted, following which the accused may be allowed to leave Uttarakhand.The incident dates back to June 16, when a minor dispute between locals and Nihang Sikhs in Karnaprayag escalated into violence, allegedly involving a sword attack. Several people, including a Nihang Sikh, were injured. Police registered a case and arrested four Nihang Sikhs, who are currently in judicial custody.Meanwhile, security has been tightened and police remain on alert at the Kulhal border as a precautionary measure. Officials said movement across the border continues normally, but the situation is being closely monitored.