Karnprayag (Rajeev Sharma): The management committee of Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib has called for calm and responsible conduct among pilgrims after a clash between devotees and local residents in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district created tension along a busy pilgrimage route.
The appeal was issued after a dispute near Panch Puliya in Karnprayag over vehicle parking arrangements turned into a violent confrontation on Tuesday. The incident left five people injured and resulted in a temporary shutdown of traffic on the Badrinath National Highway, affecting hundreds of travellers.
The Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust said pilgrims visiting the shrine should focus on the spiritual purpose of the yatra and maintain respect for local communities. Trust manager Sardar Sewa Singh urged devotees to avoid actions that could disturb peace or create misunderstandings during their journey.
Addressing concerns over the use of weapons during the pilgrimage, the Trust said traditional arms in Sikhism carry religious importance and are associated with protection and responsibility. However, it stressed that they should never be used to threaten or harm others. Families were also advised to ensure that children accompanying them do not carry weapons.
The clash reportedly began after a disagreement involving a vehicle parked near a local hotel. According to police, the dispute escalated rapidly, with allegations that some individuals used swords and kirpans during the confrontation.
Five people were injured in the incident, including four local residents — Prakash Rawat, Sudarshan Kandari, Gajpal Singh and Harendra Singh — along with Manpreet Singh, a pilgrim from Mohali. Police said one of the injured persons required treatment at a higher medical facility.
The violence led to protests by local residents, who gathered near the Karnprayag police post and blocked the Badrinath National Highway. The blockade disrupted movement of vehicles heading towards major religious destinations, including Badrinath and Hemkunt Sahib.
Authorities stepped in to restore normalcy, with Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar and Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Panwar holding talks with protesters. Officials assured residents that appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible and that the safety of both locals and pilgrims would remain a priority.
As part of the discussions, residents raised concerns over the carrying of sharp-edged weapons during pilgrimages and sought stricter monitoring. Police and district officials said security arrangements would be reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Hemkunt Sahib Trust, meanwhile, highlighted Uttarakhand’s importance as a land of prominent religious centres and appealed to devotees to follow the principles of harmony and discipline. It encouraged pilgrims to approach authorities whenever disputes arise instead of taking matters into their own hands.
The Trust said the pilgrimage has witnessed a large number of devotees since its commencement on May 23 and expressed hope that the remaining yatra period would continue peacefully with cooperation from pilgrims and local communities.
