Uttarakhand: Five injured as clash breaks out between Sikh pilgrims, locals over parking row; Hemkund Sahib Trust appeals for peace
PTC News Desk: A day after a fight between some Sikh pilgrims and local residents in Karnprayag left five people injured, the Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust appealed to devotees to maintain peace, discipline and communal harmony during the ongoing pilgrimage.
In a statement issued through the Uttarakhand government, Trust manager Sardar Sewa Singh urged pilgrims visiting Sri Hemkund Sahib to travel with devotion and good conduct and avoid any actions that could hurt religious sentiments or disturb social harmony.
गुरुद्वारा श्री हेमकुंट साहिब मैनेजमेंट ट्रस्ट, गोविंदघाट के प्रबंधक सरदार सेवा सिंह ने पवित्र श्री हेमकुंट साहिब यात्रा पर आने वाले सभी श्रद्धालुओं से आपसी सद्भाव, अनुशासन और शांति बनाए रखने की अपील की है।
ट्रस्ट की ओर से जारी अपील में कहा गया है कि 23 मई से प्रारंभ हुई श्री… — Uttarakhand DIPR (@DIPR_UK) June 17, 2026
The Trust also advised pilgrims not to carry weapons unnecessarily. It said that in Sikhism, weapons are meant for protecting the faith, not for misuse. Pilgrims were also asked to ensure that children travelling with them do not carry any weapons.
The appeal came after an incident on Monday morning when a group of pilgrims travelling to Hemkund Sahib allegedly parked their vehicle outside a hotel in Karnprayag. An argument with local residents reportedly broke out and later turned violent. Witnesses claimed that some pilgrims used swords and kirpans during the clash.
Police said five people were injured, including four local residents and one pilgrim from Mohali. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition and was shifted to a higher medical facility for treatment.
Following the incident, local residents gathered near the Karnprayag police post and blocked the Badrinath National Highway, leading to heavy traffic congestion. Hundreds of vehicles carrying pilgrims to Badrinath and Hemkunt Sahib, along with local commuters, were stranded for several hours.
- PTC NEWS
