Cybersecurity – Nihang Groups Return Peacefully After Talks With Uttarakhand Authorities

Cybersecurity – A potentially tense situation involving Nihang groups travelling from Punjab towards Uttarakhand concluded peacefully late Thursday after extensive discussions between members of the Sikh warrior order, senior police officials, and the district administration. Authorities confirmed that the matter was resolved without any fresh violence, ensuring public order remained intact.

Security Measures Triggered Along Entry Routes

Police officials said the Nihang devotees had begun their journey under a previously announced plan to visit Sri Hemkund Sahib. However, security agencies stopped the convoy near Paonta Sahib by installing barricades due to heightened concerns following a recent confrontation in Karnaprayag, located in Chamoli district. Officials were taking precautionary measures to prevent any escalation after the earlier incident.

According to police, some members of the travelling group allegedly removed the barricades while carrying kirpans before entering Dehradun district. The unexpected movement prompted authorities to activate a security alert across the state capital, with senior officers closely monitoring developments throughout the night.

Police Strengthened Vigil Across Dehradun

Following intelligence inputs suggesting the group might enter Dehradun, police deployed additional personnel in Premnagar and surrounding localities. Senior Superintendent of Police Parmendra Dobhal supervised the security arrangements, while teams from multiple police stations remained on standby to respond if required.

For nearly two hours, officers maintained a heavy presence in Premnagar, anticipating the group’s arrival. Later, officials discovered that the Nihang devotees had altered their route. Instead of following the expected path, they reportedly travelled via the Paonta Sahib-Dehradun highway before continuing through the Gorakhpur-Shimla bypass and entering the city.

Discussions Held at Race Course Gurdwara

The group eventually assembled at a gurdwara in the Race Course area of Dehradun. District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan, SSP Parmendra Dobhal, and other senior administrative officials reached the location to engage in multiple rounds of dialogue with representatives of the Nihang community.

Officials stated that maintaining peace remained the primary objective throughout the discussions. By relying on communication and restraint, authorities ensured that no direct confrontation occurred and that normal law and order was preserved during the late-night operation.

Background Linked to Karnaprayag Incident

Police indicated that the movement of the Nihang groups was connected to an earlier clash in Karnaprayag, where some Nihang members were accused of being involved in an altercation with local residents. Several people reportedly sustained injuries during that incident, and police subsequently arrested the alleged suspects. Investigators believe the latest mobilisation was intended as a protest against those arrests.

Groups Return Towards Himachal Pradesh

After several hours of negotiations, an agreement was reached for the Nihang devotees to return peacefully towards Himachal Pradesh. Police sources said that around 1:15 a.m., the first group, comprising approximately 12 to 15 members travelling in a utility vehicle, two cars, and a motorcycle, departed for Paonta Sahib.

A second group of a similar size later left the Race Course gurdwara at around 2:40 a.m. using two four-wheelers and a motorcycle, also heading back towards Paonta Sahib.

SSP Parmendra Dobhal confirmed that the devotees had reached Dehradun through Paonta Sahib and nearby routes before gathering at the Race Course gurdwara. He said police and district officials held detailed discussions with them, after which all members agreed to return peacefully.

Authorities confirmed that the situation remained fully under control throughout the operation. No fresh incidents of violence or disturbances were reported after the groups departed, and officials said coordinated efforts by the administration and police helped ensure a peaceful outcome.