DEHRADUN: Tension continued to prevail in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on Saturday, marking the third consecutive day of unrest stemming from a controversy over the legitimacy of a mosque.
On Friday, police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse protestors, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Following this Hindu traders across the region closed their shops today in protest against the police’s actions.
Hindu groups vocally condemned what they termed police atrocities.
Following a strategic meeting, leaders announced plans for a Hindu Mahapanchayat scheduled for November 4 in Uttarkashi, aiming to address the escalating situation.
The unrest was primarily sparked by a mosque that has been at the center of a two-month-long dispute. On October 24, the Sanyukt Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Sangh organized a protest march, which turned violent when police intervened with a lathi charge, leading to retaliatory stone-pelting by the demonstrators.
The situation deteriorated rapidly, prompting authorities to impose restrictions aimed at maintaining law and order. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of protests and counter-protests surrounding the disputed mosque.
Similar tensions have erupted in other areas of the state, prompting law enforcement to employ force to disperse crowds. In light of the unrest, Section 144 was invoked to prohibit assemblies and maintain public order.
This story was originally published in newindianexpress.com. Read the full story here.