Overview
- A large group of Nihang Sikhs tried to enter Uttarakhand and clashed with police at the Kulhal checkpoint on Thursday night before negotiations persuaded most protesters to return to Paonta Sahib early Friday.
- Officials said about 200 Nihangs travelled from Punjab through Himachal, a section breached multiple metal barricades and some were seen carrying swords, prompting a heavy police and ITBP deployment on the Kulhal‑Vikasnagar route.
- The immediate de‑escalation followed hours of talks between district authorities, senior police and Nihang leaders and the group left under police escort, though a small delegation remained in Dehradun for further discussions.
- Uttarakhand has set up a Haridwar SIT to probe the original Karnaprayag clash that led to four arrests and police say the four are likely to move court for bail, a legal outcome that officials and Nihang leaders view as central to lasting calm.
- The dispute began on June 16 over a parking clash in Karnaprayag that escalated into alleged sword attacks and a separate 72‑hour rooftop occupation at the Nagarasu gurdwara; Nihang jathas frame the action as both a demand for justice and a bid to continue pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib.