Nihang group camping at Paonta Sahib gurdwara, says it won't leave until arrested members are released

A group of Nihang Sikhs has been staging a sit-in at Gurdwara Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh, declaring that it will not leave the shrine until its arrested members are released. The protest has drawn attention from local authorities, who have stepped up security in and around the historic gurdwara to maintain law and order.

The Nihang group arrived at the gurdwara earlier this week and has since been camping on the premises, insisting that their colleagues were wrongfully detained. Protesters have maintained that they will continue their peaceful demonstration until the authorities act on their demand for the release of those in custody.

Speaking to reporters, members of the group said they had no intention of vacating the site unless the arrested Nihangs were freed. They also appealed to the Sikh community to support their cause, arguing that the arrests were unjustified.

The arrests stem from a recent police action involving members of the Nihang group. While officials have not disclosed all details of the investigation, they have maintained that the arrests were carried out in accordance with the law and that the matter is under judicial process.

In response to the ongoing protest, the local administration has deployed additional police personnel around Gurdwara Paonta Sahib to prevent any untoward incidents. Authorities said the situation remains peaceful and that discussions are being held with community representatives to resolve the impasse through dialogue.

Officials have urged protesters to cooperate with law enforcement and avoid any actions that could disrupt public order or inconvenience devotees visiting the shrine. Police have also appealed to people not to spread rumours or misinformation on social media regarding the issue.

The management of Gurdwara Paonta Sahib has been monitoring the situation closely while ensuring that religious activities and services for pilgrims continue without interruption. Devotees visiting the shrine have been advised to follow instructions issued by the local administration.

The protest comes amid heightened attention on issues involving Nihang groups in northern India. Community leaders have called for a peaceful resolution, emphasising the importance of respecting legal processes while addressing the concerns raised by the protesters.

As negotiations continue, authorities remain hopeful that the standoff can be resolved amicably. However, the Nihang group has reiterated that it will remain at the gurdwara until its primary demand—the release of the arrested members—is fulfilled.