A group of Nihangs has allegedly taken a Sikh devotee hostage on the terrace of a gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, demanding the release of four members of the sect who were arrested following violence in Karnaprayag on June 16.
Police officials were attempting to negotiate with the Nihangs, assuring them that no action will be taken against them and that they will be given safe passage back to Punjab if they release the devotee, according to PTI.
The gurdwara is located in the Nagrasu area, between Rudraprayag and Gauchar on the Badrinath highway.
The four Nihang devotees were arrested in connection with a clash on June 16 that reportedly began after an altercation over parking near a hotel in Karnaprayag market.
A group of Nihang pilgrims was returning after offering prayers at Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara when they got into a heated argument with locals in the market.
The pilgrims allegedly attacked the other group with swords, injuring four local residents. A Nihang pilgrim was also injured in the clash.
