By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Tensions escalated along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border on Thursday night after a large group of Nihang Sikhs attempted to enter Uttarakhand through the Kulhal border in Dehradun district, prompting a massive deployment of police and security personnel.
The march was linked to ongoing protests over the arrest of four Nihangs following a violent clash in Karnaprayag earlier this month.
According to officials, hundreds of Nihangs travelling from Punjab and neighbouring areas gathered near the border and sought to proceed towards Karnaprayag in Chamoli district. Authorities had already placed the border on high alert after calls for a large mobilisation were circulated in the aftermath of the recent Nagrasu Gurdwara standoff.
Eyewitnesses and viral videos reported heated exchanges between protesters and police personnel as security forces attempted to prevent the group from entering the state without permission. Barricades were erected and vehicles were subjected to intensive checking. Some reports indicated that protesters pushed through police barricades, leading to brief scuffles, although officials worked to prevent a major confrontation.
The latest development comes days after a four-day standoff at a gurdwara in Nagrasu, Rudraprayag district, where a group of armed Nihangs demanded the release of their arrested associates. The standoff ended peacefully following negotiations involving Sikh representatives from Punjab and Uttarakhand authorities.
The controversy stems from a June 16 clash in Karnaprayag between a group of Nihangs and locals. Police subsequently arrested four Nihangs, triggering protests and demands for their release.
Senior police officials said security arrangements have been strengthened across border districts and appealed for calm. The administration maintained that the measures were aimed solely at preserving law and order and preventing any untoward incident. Meanwhile, community leaders urged both sides to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions