Rudraprayag

A tense standoff between the administration and a group of armed Nihangs at a gurudwara in Nagrasu continued for more than 40 hours on Monday, prompting the deployment of Army personnel in the area, officials said.

According to sources, police and personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police remain stationed around the gurudwara premises as efforts continue to resolve the situation peacefully.

The confrontation began after a group of Nihangs, reportedly armed with spears and swords, took a Sikh devotee hostage inside the gurudwara.

Officials said the Nihangs are demanding the release of four members of their sect who were arrested following a clash in Chamoli district on June 16.

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Authorities have not disclosed details of ongoing negotiations, but security arrangements have been intensified to prevent any escalation. The situation remains under close watch, with administrative and security officials continuing efforts to secure the release of the hostage and restore normalcy.