Near Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand, a violent clash occurred between Nihangs and a local vendor. The police arrested 7 pilgrims in connection with the incident. Authorities informed the news agency that the accused assaulted a police officer attempting to intervene, resulting in injuries.
On Monday, while visiting Hemkund Sahib, a group of Nihang Sikhs got into a heated dispute with a local merchant over a scooter. The argument spiraled, allegedly leading to an attempt by the Nihangs to attack the merchant with swords. Luckily, the merchant narrowly avoided harm. By the time the police reached the scene, the suspects had already escaped.
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However, they were intercepted near the police station's gate. Meanwhile, a large crowd of local merchants gathered at the station. Tensions rose further upon discovering that the Nihang pilgrims were carrying various sharp weapons, including swords, knives, and axes, alongside their traditional Kirpans. The disagreement swiftly escalated into a physical altercation. As the police tried to intervene, a Nihang identified as Amritpal allegedly attacked a senior sub-inspector with a sharp knife, causing injuries.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Harpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Harpreet II, Binder Singh, Garja Singh, Harjot Singh, and Bhola Singh, all residents of Fatehgarh in Punjab.
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The police stated that charges have been filed against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 109(1) (attempt to murder), 191(2) (rioting), 193(3) (responsibility of land-owner, occupier or party interested, where unlawful assembly or riot occurs), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 351(3) (criminal intimidation).
