By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 30 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today issued a stern warning against miscreants after unrest broke out in the Patel Nagar area of the state capital late last night over an alleged social media post. Dhami warned that those indulging in rioting would face strict action and imprisonment. He also alleged that the incident was a deliberate conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace and communal harmony in Uttarakhand.
In this regard, Dhami not only issued a video message on social media and through the state information department but also posted a tweet on his X account.
The CM declared that anyone engaging in vandalism or damaging public or private property would be made to compensate for the losses. Emphasising that Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi, the land of Sanatan, he said that those attempting to vitiate the atmosphere would not be forgiven. He reminded that the Anti-Riot Law had been enacted specifically to send such troublemakers behind bars and announced that the police administration had been given a free hand to deal firmly with rioters. He further instructed the police to remain vigilant to prevent the recurrence of incidents like those reported earlier in Kashipur and now in Dehradun.
Dhami alleged that the disturbance was part of a well-planned conspiracy to disrupt peace during the festivals and religious rituals. He maintained that the forces behind the unrest are those who could not tolerate a strong and united India, and are opposed to the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, and thrive on appeasement politics. He said such elements, who could not bear the progress of the resolve for a developed India, are consistently attempting to instigate riots and spread poison in society.
Dhami also commented that true respect towards any religion is reflected in one’s conduct. He underlined that Uttarakhand, being the land of the Ganga, Yamuna, Char Dham, Adi Kailash and many other places of reverence and faith, would not tolerate anarchy of any kind. He assured that severe action would be taken against disruptive elements, reiterating that damage to government properties caused during riots would be recovered from the culprits themselves.
It may be recalled that a protest was held late last evening and the mob which had gathered at Lalpul in Patel Nagar, raised religious slogans and attempted to block the road and the traffic. The crowd sought to disturb the communal harmony of the city. The police, however, brought the situation under control through a mild lathi-charge and dispersed the mob. A heavy police presence has since been deployed in sensitive parts of the city.
The immediate cause of tension was an alleged social media comment by a youth on a religious post, which led to hundreds of people assembling outside the local police post and shouting slogans. Despite repeated attempts at persuasion, the crowd turned unruly, compelling the police to resort to a lathi-charge to disperse it. The intervention created temporary commotion, but order was eventually restored.
Following the incident, the police have launched an intensive search operation in Patel Nagar and adjoining areas. Social media is being closely monitored, and a comprehensive verification drive has been initiated. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajai Singh shared that the process of identifying miscreants is underway and stressed that such frenzied displays on the roads will not be tolerated.
Meanwhile administrative sources confirmed that verification of ration cards and scrutiny of Jan Seva Kendras are also being stepped up in the affected locality to prevent recurrence of similar disturbances in future.
