Karnaprayag clash: Arrested Nihang Sikhs may move court for bail

A scuffle erupted between two factions of Nihang Sikhs within the Darbar Hall of the Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan in Mohali's Sohana area on Sunday, June 28, 2026. According to police reports, this incident occurred during celebrations marking the return of four Nihang Sikhs who had recently been granted bail in the Karnaprayag clash case. The groups involved were reportedly engaged in a confrontation that required immediate police intervention to restore order.

The police responded swiftly to the situation, dispatching a team from the Sohana police station to manage the disturbance. Despite the initial unrest, authorities confirmed that the situation had been calmed down and that the area was now peaceful. However, the police emphasized that no formal complaints had yet been filed regarding the incident. They indicated that any legal action would depend on receiving such complaints in the future.

DSP Harsimrat Singh Chehtra of Mohali addressed the incident in a video statement, confirming that the police had acted promptly upon receiving reports of the scuffle. He noted that the current status of the situation was stable and that the police were maintaining communication with the management of the Gurdwara. Chehtra reiterated that the police would act according to the law should any formal complaints be lodged.

Harjinder Singh Baidwan, the President of Gurudwara Sohana Sahib, offered insight into the underlying causes of the conflict. He explained that there were existing internal disputes among the Nihang Sikhs who had traveled from the region. These tensions had previously resulted in conflicts, though they had typically remained contained. This time, however, the disagreement became public and escalated into a physical altercation.

The incident follows a series of related events that began with the Karnaprayag clash. On June 16, a minor dispute between local residents and Nihang Sikhs in Karnaprayag, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, escalated into a violent confrontation involving swords. Several individuals were injured in the incident, leading to the arrest of four Nihang Sikhs. The arrests triggered a significant standoff at the Nagrasu Gurdwara in the Rudraprayag district, which lasted until June 23 when a Sikh delegation intervened to resolve the situation.

On the night of June 25, a group of approximately 200 Nihang Sikhs traveling from Chandigarh toward Uttarakhand through Himachal Pradesh attempted to breach police barricades at the Kulhal check post. This point lies on the border between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The group aimed to reach the area where the arrested Nihang Sikhs were held, demanding their release. After a lengthy negotiation session at Paonta Sahib Gurdwara, part of the group agreed to return, while others reportedly crossed the Kulhal bridge and proceeded toward the check post.

The situation escalated as the group allegedly forced its way past security barriers and moved toward the Dehradun-Paonta highway. Some members were observed carrying and waving swords, prompting increased police presence and the deployment of ITBP troops along the route. Additional police forces were mobilized from various parts of Dehradun district to reinforce security measures. Despite these efforts, the Nihang Sikhs remained resolute in their intent to travel to Hemkund Sahib, a sacred site for many Sikhs.

In the aftermath of the Karnaprayag incident, the four arrested Nihang Sikhs are anticipated to seek bail soon. If granted, they could potentially return to Punjab, which might help alleviate the ongoing tensions. Authorities have made it clear that any release of the accused will hinge solely on court decisions. Until then, all necessary legal procedures must be fulfilled before allowing them to leave Uttarakhand.

The police continue to maintain heightened vigilance at the Kulhal border as a precautionary measure. While regular cross-border movements remain unaffected, officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure stability in the region. The sequence of events highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the Nihang Sikh community, particularly in relation to internal disputes and external confrontations that can quickly escalate into broader incidents requiring police involvement.