Dehradun: The Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust has appealed to devotees travelling for the ongoing pilgrimage to maintain discipline and avoid actions that could disturb public harmony following a violent confrontation in Uttarakhand’s Karnprayag.
The appeal came after a dispute over vehicle parking near Panch Puliya area turned violent on Tuesday, leaving five people injured and triggering protests that disrupted traffic movement on the Badrinath National Highway.
In a message issued through the Uttarakhand government’s Information and Public Relations Department, Trust manager Sardar Sewa Singh urged pilgrims to treat the journey as a spiritual experience and cooperate with local authorities. He said devotees should avoid any behaviour that could create tension or affect the peaceful atmosphere of the pilgrimage route.
The Trust specifically advised visitors not to carry weapons unless required and cautioned against their misuse. It stated that while traditional weapons hold religious significance in Sikhism, they are meant for protection and should not become a source of conflict. The Trust also requested families travelling with children to ensure that minors do not carry such items.
The incident that led to the advisory reportedly began after a disagreement between a group of pilgrims and local residents over parking arrangements near a hotel in Karnprayag. The argument escalated, resulting in a clash in which sharp-edged weapons were allegedly used.
Police officials said five individuals suffered injuries in the confrontation. Those injured included Karnprayag residents Prakash Rawat, Sudarshan Kandari, Gajpal Singh and Harendra Singh, along with Manpreet Singh from Mohali in Punjab. One injured person was shifted to a higher medical facility due to a serious condition.
Following the clash, local residents gathered near the Karnprayag police post and blocked the Badrinath National Highway, affecting movement of vehicles carrying pilgrims and other travellers. The road remained closed for nearly four hours before authorities intervened.
Traffic arrangements were modified temporarily, with vehicles being stopped at a holding point in Gauchar to prevent further congestion. The situation was brought under control after Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar and Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Panwar reached the location and held discussions with protesters.
During talks with officials, residents demanded stricter restrictions on carrying sharp weapons during religious journeys. The district administration assured them that maintaining security for both pilgrims and local communities remained a priority and that action would be taken against anyone found responsible for violence.
The Hemkunt Sahib Trust later reiterated that Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi, is home to several important religious destinations and urged pilgrims to uphold the values of peace and respect throughout their journey.
The Trust said thousands of devotees have already visited Sri Hemkunt Sahib since the pilgrimage began on May 23 and appealed to everyone participating in the yatra to resolve disputes through dialogue and seek assistance from authorities instead of resorting to confrontation.
