Group of Nihangs storm gurdwara in Rudraprayag, hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof

A group of Nihangs, armed with spears and swords, stormed a gurdwara in Rudraprayag and took a Sikh devotee hostage on the roof of the building to demand the release of four members of the sect who were arrested following a clash in Chamoli on June 16, police said on Sunday (June 21, 2026).

A heavy police force was deployed at the site following the standoff that began on Saturday (June 20, 2026) evening and is still on, even though the district administration on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said the situation is fully under control and peaceful.

An officer said police are parleying with a Nihang member about ending the hostage situation.

"The police, district administration, and the Gurudwara management committee are in constant dialogue with the Nihang Sikhs, attempting to understand their concerns and find a solution," Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said.