New Delhi: Dr. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities and a former IPS officer, has urged the Governor of Uttarakhand to intervene in the recent clash involving Nihang Sikhs and local residents in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district, calling for an impartial investigation and measures to preserve communal harmony.
In a representation submitted on June 22, Dr. Lalpura expressed concern that an incident reportedly triggered by a road rage and parking dispute had escalated, creating apprehensions within the Sikh community. Referring to representations received from members of the Nihang community, he said they alleged they were attacked first and acted in self-defence, but were subsequently arrested while their traditional weapons were seized.
Dr. Lalpura stressed that Sikhs are a notified minority under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, and that Article 25 of the Constitution recognises the right of Sikhs to wear and carry the Kirpan as an integral part of their faith. He noted that Nihang Sikhs have historically carried traditional arms as part of their martial heritage.
Raising concerns over the handling of the case, he said the incident risks being perceived as an attack on the Sikh minority, a development he warned could undermine communal harmony and the long-standing relationship between Sikhs and the people of Uttarakhand.
Seeking immediate action, Dr. Lalpura called for an inquiry by senior police officers of Inspector General rank or above, examination of the role of all parties, preservation of CCTV footage, social media content and other digital evidence, confidence-building measures, and dialogue between the groups through the intervention of the state administration, community leaders and religious representatives.
He also underscored Dehradun’s historical association with Guru Ram Rai Ji and said Sikhs have shared peaceful ties with the region for centuries. Copies of his representation have been sent to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, the National Commission for Minorities and the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand.
