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Uttarkashi Mosque controversy: The mosque dispute turned violent in Uttarkashi on Thursday, creating a tense atmosphere in the city. There was a clash between the police and the protesters during the rally organized by the United Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Dal. Meanwhile, 27 people including eight policemen have been injured in the incident of stone pelting and lathicharge. In view of the tension, BNS Act 163 has been imposed.
Giving information about this, Uttarkashi SP Amit Srivastava said that the rally of United Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Dal on Thursday had got approval from the administration. His route and time were also fixed. But, he was insisting on going through a different route instead of the suggested route. When the police tried to stop them, some protesters started pelting stones, after which the police used mild force to disperse the crowd. During this encounter, 8 policemen were injured, out of which two policemen were seriously injured.
On Thursday (24 October), Hindu organizations had organized a big rally against the mosque. Meanwhile, a large number of people gathered at Hanuman Chowk. The protesters wanted to take a march towards the mosque, but the police had already barricaded Vishwanath 3rd Road on Bhadwati Road, so that the rally could not reach the mosque.
Tension after police lathi charge
After this, tension increased between the two sides and a scuffle broke out, after which the police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Angry protesters also pelted stones at the police. Many people have been injured in this clash from both the police and protesters. The authorities tried to control the situation, but the protesters refused to obey the police.
After the lathicharge, the crowd of protesters dispersed and some people reached the collectorate, where they raised slogans against the district administration. Later, the protesters broke into small groups and started targeting shops of traders from other sects. During this time there was chaos in the market and traders started closing their shops.
Section 163 of BNSS applicable in entire area
Immediate action was taken by the police and administration to control the entire situation. Late evening, Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code has been implemented in the district. Under which a ban has been imposed on the gathering of five or more people in the district. Apart from this, a ban has also been imposed on meetings, processions, demonstrations and use of loudspeakers. A warning has been given of legal action if Section 163 is violated.
After the incident, the police has appealed to the people participating in the rally to maintain peace and follow law and order. However, tension remains in the city and normal market activity has been affected. Hindu organizations have announced a bandh today in protest against the police lathicharge. Meanwhile, the shops are closed since morning. Due to which passengers are facing difficulty in getting water. Police and administration are keeping an eye on the situation and are prepared to prevent any untoward incident.
Such violence and tension is not unexpected in Uttarkashi, but the administration and police are hopeful that the situation will become normal soon. Security forces have been deployed in the sensitive area and the situation is being closely monitored.