PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Rising incidents of violence involving students are raising safety concerns in Doon, long regarded as a major education hub for outstation learners from neighbouring States, even as police say that intensified enforcement drives are underway to curb crime.
Students and parents say that frequent clashes and drug-related activity near campuses are affecting confidence in the city’s safety environment. A student from Bihar studying at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Vishnu Nautiyal said that incidents of fights occur every few days near his campus. He also alleged that drug use is visible in nearby forested areas, creating anxiety among students living away from home.
The deaths of Angel Chakma and Divyanshu Jatrana are a stark example. The city is now full of bullies and isn’t that safe anymore,” he said, adding that he is often bullied for his tone and his hometown.
Parents echoed similar concerns. Maya Nautiyal said that the rising crime graph in Dehradun has become alarming. “Some crime is reported almost daily. Even students from smaller colleges are resorting to extreme violence,” she said, adding that safety concerns have made her reconsider sending her younger daughter to study in the city. Nautiyal says that she has instructed her kids to “return to their hostels by max 7 PM and keep the distress numbers handy in need.”
However, police officials said that targeted action is underway to improve law and order. The Dehradun senior superintendent of police Pramendra Singh Dobal said that enforcement drives under Operation Prahaar and a night campaign Operation Night Strike are being conducted against illegal activities such as rash driving, street racing and unlawful drinking.
According to the police, more than 100 people were challaned or detained during recent night checks, while around 900 pending warrants have been executed so far as part of the intensified crackdown.
Meanwhile, National Association for Parents and Students Rights president Arif Khan called for preventive measures at the institutional level. He suggested that colleges appoint dedicated coordinators to monitor outstation students and maintain proper accommodation records. He also stressed the need for registration of hostels and paying guest facilities and advanced police verification to strengthen safety systems.
