Nihang Sikhs Clash With Police at Uttarakhand Border, Breach Barricades During Hemkund Sahib March (Watch Video)

Tension gripped the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border after a group of Nihang Sikhs clashed with police and breached security barricades at the Kulhal checkpost in Dehradun's Vikasnagar area while marching towards Hemkund Sahib. The confrontation took place on Thursday night amid heightened security over an ongoing dispute linked to the Karnaprayag and Nagrasu gurdwaras.

Authorities had deployed a heavy police force at the Kulhal border after Nihang organisations announced their march from Punjab's Mohali to Uttarakhand. Visuals from the spot showed riot police stationed behind multiple layers of metal barricades to prevent the group from entering the state.

Police, Nihang Sikhs Clash at Uttarakhand Border After Protesters Breach Kulhal Barricades

The situation has now spiraled out of control, with Nihang groups openly taking the law into their own hands. Videos circulating from the scene appear to show stones being hurled at police personnel, highlighting the seriousness of the unrest. This escalation could likely have… pic.twitter.com/B6fBZ9Mvo0

— Manjeet Negi (@manjeetnegilive) June 26, 2026

According to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Pankaj Gairola, a section of the protesters managed to break through the barricades despite police efforts to stop them. Officials, including the local SDM and Tehsildar, held talks with the group, but the discussions failed to produce a breakthrough. Uttarakhand Tension: Nihang Sikhs Breach Police Barricades, Enter State After Standoff at Border.

The Nihang protesters, many dressed in traditional blue attire and carrying swords and other traditional weapons, demanded the release of four members arrested in connection with the June 16 Karnaprayag violence. They said they would not return to Punjab until the arrested Nihangs were released.

A representative of the group said they intended to undertake their pilgrimage peacefully and resolve the dispute through dialogue. He claimed senior police officials had assured them that bail for the arrested individuals would be processed within a few days. Uttarakhand Gurdwara Standoff: Armed Nihangs Take Sikh Devotee Hostage, Demand Release of Arrested Sect Members (Watch Videos).

The standoff follows a violent clash in Karnaprayag earlier this month, during which several locals were allegedly injured after Nihangs reportedly brandished swords. Police later arrested four Nihang Sikhs, prompting allegations of one-sided action from sections of the Sikh community. Authorities continue to monitor the law and order situation in the region.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 03:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).