CM reviews Nagrasu Incident, emphasises on hospitality
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Jun: Speaking to media persons informally after chairing a high level meeting at the Secretariat here, today, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami commented on the Nagrasu incident. He stated that the government, administration and police led by the Director General of Police are taking impartial action involving all parties concerned. He noted that delegations had met administrative officials and that the Director General of Police has remained in constant communication over the past several days. Referring to the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, the CM observed that a record number of pilgrims, nearing the 40 lakh mark, had already visited Uttarakhand, while the number of pilgrims travelling to Hemkund Sahib had increased by 20,000 to 25,000 compared to the previous year, reaching around 1.25 lakhs in the initial phase. Dhami added that all the parties concerned have been informed about the situation and that the issue is no longer a matter of concern.
The CM also claimed that legal action is being taken against those found guilty and that the process would continue. Describing Uttarakhand as Devbhoomi, he emphasised that every visitor is respected in the state with the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhavah. He highlighted that three major holy sites established by Sikh Gurus, namely Hemkunt Sahib, Reetha Sahib and Nanakmatta Sahib, are located in Uttarakhand, attracting a large number of devotees every year. He remarked that respecting everyone is an integral part of the culture and tradition of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, where all visitors are welcomed and treated with hospitality. He said gurdwaras and all religious places are centres of deep faith and reverence and urged people not to engage in any activity that may diminish personal dignity or harm religion in any manner. He stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, asserting that discussions and mutual understanding are the way forward to finding solutions.
Dhami earlier chaired a high-level meeting at the Secretariat where he directed the officials to ensure special attention to the comfort and facilities of pilgrims visiting Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib. He said that pilgrims and tourists arriving across the state are warmly welcomed in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, which is an invaluable repository of faith, culture and nature. He appealed to all visitors to enjoy their journey in the serene environment of the state and not pay heed to any rumours. Referring to the incidents at Karnaprayag and Nagrasu, he said that the government, administration and police are taking necessary action keeping all parties in view. He clarified that those found guilty have already faced action and that strict measures will continue on the basis of facts. He reiterated that the Char Dham Yatra is progressing smoothly and that Hemkund Sahib has also witnessed a rise in pilgrim numbers, with 25,000 more devotees recorded in the initial days compared to last year. He underlined that Uttarakhand is home to three major Sikh pilgrimage sites, Hemkunt Sahib, Reetha Sahib and Nanakmatta Sahib where large numbers of devotees arrive every year. He said that respecting everyone is an inseparable part of the state’s culture and tradition and that, in keeping with the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava, all visitors are welcomed and honoured. He appealed to those spreading misleading information on social media not to attempt to divide society and communities, stressing that people of all faiths have contributed significantly to the progress of the nation. He made it clear that legal action will be taken against those spreading provocative or false news. He said that all religious places are centres of faith, reverence and inspiration, providing positive guidance to society. He asserted that the government’s clear stance is that no act will be tolerated in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand which undermines personal dignity or harms religion and faith. He emphasised that dialogue, goodwill and a harmonious atmosphere are the only means to resolve issues.
On this occasion, Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, Hemkund Sahib Management Trust Chairman Narendrajit Singh Bindra, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Director General of Police Deepam Seth, Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey, DG Intelligence and Security Abhinav Kumar, IG Ridhim Agarwal, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari and Additional Secretary Tripti Bhatt were present.
