Markets reopen in Uttarkashi, Hindu body officials arrested for violating prohibitory orders
PNS I UTTARKASHI
The markets reopened in Uttarkashi with the situation returning closer to normalcy on Saturday. The police also arrested three members of a Hindu organisation for violating prohibitory orders put in place after the protest against a controversial religious structure in the city on Thursday turned violent. The district administration had imposed section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) after the protest on Thursday resulted in injuries to dozens of persons including some police personnel following a lathi charge and stone pelting.
The markets reopened on Saturday with police presence on various intersections in the city. The reopening of the markets brought relief to the locals and businessmen alike considering the rise in shopping ahead of Deepawali. Meanwhile, three office bearers of the Sainyukt Sanatan Dharm Rakshak Sangathan were arrested by the police for trying to hold a meeting and a Press conference at the Kali Kamali Dharmshala in violation of the prohibitory orders. Those arrested include Jitendra Singh, Sonu Negi and Suraj Dabral. They were arrested for violation of section 163 and in the case lodged earlier following the protest rally. Members of the organisation have alleged that while their office bearers were arrested, the authorities have not acted against many of those involved in the stone pelting during the protest rally.
The district administration has stressed that action is being taken without any bias and that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain the law and order. The police have stated that those who had indulged in stone pelting are being identified and that they will be arrested soon. The authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace and not to believe in rumours. The administration has made necessary security arrangements to maintain law and order. With section 163 in place, an effort is being made to maintain control over the situation with the cooperation of the public. The local residents and members of the business fraternity are hopeful that complete normalcy will soon return to Uttarkashi.
