Sirmaur: Three Nihang Sikhs accused in the June 16 violence during the Hemkund Sahib Yatra offered prayers at Gurdwara Paonta Sahib after being released on bail, marking a significant development in a case that had drawn widespread attention from the Sikh community.
The accused—Satvinder Singh, Ajay Singh and Jaspreet Singh—visited the historic shrine in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district shortly after securing bail. Their visit came days after legal proceedings led to their release in connection with the clash that occurred in Uttarakhand’s Karnaprayag area.
The incident stemmed from what officials initially described as a disagreement over vehicle parking between local residents and a group of pilgrims. The altercation reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation, following which several individuals were taken into custody.
Among those arrested were four Nihang Sikhs—Manpreet Singh, Jasanpreet Singh, Ajay Singh and Satvinder Singh. Their arrest prompted strong reactions from sections of the Sikh community, with religious bodies and community leaders seeking their release through legal and administrative channels.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary and Legal Head Sardar Jagdip Singh Kahlon said the committee had actively pursued the matter after the arrests. According to him, representatives of the DSGMC held discussions with the Uttarakhand government, including the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police, urging them to ensure a fair legal process for the accused.
Kahlon expressed gratitude to the state authorities for their cooperation, stating that the efforts of the Sikh community and legal representatives had contributed to the accused obtaining bail. He added that the issue had united members of the Sikh Panth, who had collectively appealed for the release of those arrested.
The June 16 incident occurred during the annual Hemkund Sahib Yatra, when thousands of devotees were travelling to the revered Sikh pilgrimage site. What reportedly began as a minor dispute soon turned into a physical confrontation, leading police to register a case and arrest several individuals involved.
While the accused have now secured bail, the legal proceedings in the matter are expected to continue. Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the sequence of events and determine individual roles in the clash.
The case has attracted attention beyond Uttarakhand, with religious organisations closely monitoring the proceedings and calling for impartial action. Meanwhile, the visit to Gurdwara Paonta Sahib by the released Nihang Sikhs has become a symbolic moment for many supporters who had campaigned for their release.
As the investigation moves forward, officials have urged all parties to maintain peace and allow the judicial process to take its course.
