Dehradun: The three-day standoff involving seven Nihang Sikhs at a gurdwara in Rudraprayag’s Nagrasu area ended after a delegation from Punjab persuaded them to leave, but the manner of their departure has left local residents deeply frustrated.Many locals questioned why no legal action was taken against the Nihangs despite allegations of hostage-taking, stone-pelting and abuse during the episode. “The Nihangs practically held the whole town hostage for three days while abusing locals and pelting stones at them from the gurdwara. In return, the govt simply let them go without filing any charges,” said Rajpal Singh Negi, a hotel owner in Nagrasu.He said that the episode has left the residents angry with the govt. “We are all very angry as it has sent out a message that anybody can come here, indulge in similar acts and leave easily. The outcome of the three-day episode may encourage such elements to repeat similar incidents with impunity,” Negi added.Another resident, expressing anger over the handling of the matter, claimed the Nihang Sikhs “left with the demeanour of having achieved something significant” while exiting the gurdwara on Tuesday.“A video of one of them was also widely circulated, in which he could be seen challenging locals while using expletives against them with a sword in his hand. Such acts only add to the anger after what locals faced during those three days in an otherwise peaceful town,” said another resident, who did not wish to be named.Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday had said that an “impartial probe” was being conducted into the Nagrasu and Karnaprayag incidents and that appropriate legal action would be taken against those found disturbing law and order.Meanwhile, DGP Deepam Seth on Wednesday said police had taken cognisance of the widely- circulated video purportedly showing objectionable remarks against locals. “The recent incidents in Nagrasu and Karnaprayag involving some pilgrims were amicably resolved by the police with patience and restraint. Despite that, some individuals have used highly objectionable language against locals. We appeal to pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand to respect local customs and traditions and refrain from making provocative statements against residents that could create a law and order situation,” Seth said.He added that police were determined to ensure the peaceful conduct of pilgrimages.” We are keeping a close watch on social media and identifying those involved in uploading misleading and provocative posts. We are tracing such accounts to identify the people behind them,” Seth added.