Saturday, 10 February 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Those supporting encroachments for political gains need to change view in State’s interests
Terming the Haldwani riot unfortunate, the Bharatiya Janata Party State president Mahendra Bhatt has appealed to all to maintain peace. He said that those who intend to mar the atmosphere with encroachment and illegal constructions will not be tolerated. Those who indulge in politics of supporting such illegal actions need to change their view in the interests of the State, he said.
Interacting with the media a day after rioters ran amok in Haldwani resulting in the death of five persons and several sustaining injuries, Bhatt termed the violence unfortunate and the work of anti-social elements. He requested all citizens to maintain peace and cooperate in maintaining law and order. The BJP State president said, “It is known to all that action against encroachments is being taken in the State on the directions of the court. The BJP government will not tolerate those who indulge in encroachment and mar the atmosphere of the State. The manner in which the personnel of the administration, police and media were attacked in Vanbhulpura is highly deplorable. The strictest legal action should be taken against the accused culprits and those who supported them directly or indirectly. The people of Uttarakhand trust that the State government under chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will teach a lesson to each of the culprits involved in this incident so that nobody can dare to indulge in such acts in the future,” he said.
He further said that the BJP has been clear on its stand that such encroachments and illegal constructions are part of the conspiracy to mar the atmosphere of the State and change its demography. The opposition parties encouraged such activities for their vote bank politics and facilitated illegal settlements of a large number of people from outside the State. However, the BJP is committed to maintain the cultural identity of Uttarakhand and remove illegal encroachments from its lands. “This is why action against encroachment is being taken under the guidance of the court and the public is fully supporting the government in this. The riot in Haldwani has clearly shown how dangerous such encroachments can be for the law and order situation and demographic balance. All political parties should now support the government in the interests of the State,” Bhatt said.
