Sunday, 03 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | UTTARKASHI
The Mahapanchayat scheduled to be held on November 4 by members of various local fraternities, Hindu bodies and local residents in Uttarkashi has been postponed for now. The decision was taken after the Uttarkashi district administration assured the public that illegal activities and suspicious persons will be investigated and necessary action will be taken based on the findings once the Deepawali celebrations end. Those organising the Mahapanchayat unanimously decided to wait for the action assured by the district administration. They also clarified that they will intensify their agitation if the authorities do not take the necessary action on time as assured. The activists stressed that their movement is not simply against an allegedly unauthorised mosque and suspicious persons but also for the security and cleanliness of Uttarkashi. They have appealed to the public to participate in their movement and pressurise the authorities to take necessary action as per the law. The movement will continue till the authorities take concrete action in the matter, especially in the case of the mosque which they claim has been constructed illegally in Uttarkashi. The activists further said that they will review the action initiated by the authorities after the Deepawali celebrations and decide their future course of action on this basis. Appealing to the local public to remain patient and cooperate with the authorities, they said that they will decide the next date for the Mahapanchayat and intensify their movement if the authorities display an irresponsible attitude.
It is pertinent to mention here that various Hindu bodies, local fraternities and residents had taken out a protest march under the banner of Sainyukt Sanatan Dharm Rakshak Sangh on October 24 against a mosque which they alleged was built illegally at the base of the Varunawat mountain in Uttarkashi. The district administration has maintained that the structure was constructed legally. However, during the protest, there was lathi charge by the police and stone pelting which left dozens injured. The markets in the Yamuna valley remained closed on the next day as a mark of protest against the police action.
