By Our Staff Reporter
Pithoragarh, 20 Nov: Recruitment for the Territorial Army of the Indian Army is ongoing in Pithoragarh. During the army recruitment drive today, more than 20,000 youths broke the gate and entered the recruitment site. Seeing so many candidates coming together, the district and police administration were left helpless, and they resorted to lathi charge to control the crowd which resulted in a stampede and many youths being injured.
Two seriously injured youths were taken to the local hospital by an ambulance that reached the spot. They were discharged after treatment. Many others sustained minor injuries in this incident. Due to the stampede, the army gate also collapsed, which was later supported by a fire brigade vehicle. During the stampede, shoes and torn bags of the youths were seen scattered all over the centre.
It may be noted that the recruitment process of the Territorial Army started in Pithoragarh today and is going to continue until 27 November. The situation went out of control after a large number of candidates arrived on the first day itself. The crowd is gathering to such an extent that candidates are having to push to get to Pithoragarh. Additional roadways buses have been arranged to transport candidates from Pithoragarh to the plains, though the local people alleged inadequate administrative and police arrangements to deal with this kind of situation.
Rekha Yadav, SP, Pithoragarh, claimed that the situation went out of control after a large number of candidates reached the recruitment gate at the same time and tried to enter by breaking the gate. Some people were slightly injured in the incident and were released after being bandaged, she added. The police administration team is continuously working to control the crowd. An appeal has been made to the public not to fall prey to any kind of instigation and rumours.
