Uttarakhand govt rejects "communal angle" in Hemkund Sahib Yatra incident
Dehradun, June 21
The Uttarakhand Government has appealed to people that the recently reported incident during the Hemkund Sahib Yatra, involving a group of Sikh pilgrims and local residents, should not be viewed as a religious dispute under any circumstances.
The government has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to give the matter a communal angle.
State Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli stated on Saturday that the preliminary inquiry suggests the incident appears to be a dispute between two parties arising out of emotional reactions and differences, rather than a religious issue.
He emphasised that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand respects all religions and faiths equally, and that the state's cultural heritage has always been rooted in harmony, peace, and mutual respect. The government, he said, will not allow this atmosphere of communal harmony to be disturbed at any cost.
The Home Secretary further informed that the Inspector General (IG) of Garhwal has been directed to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. Appropriate action will be taken based on facts after hearing all concerned parties. In addition, the Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order has been asked to submit a detailed status report on the incident.
To ensure the prompt resolution of grievances faced by pilgrims and the general public, the government is strengthening its grievance redressal mechanism. The existing Char Dham Cell will also be linked to the Hemkund Sahib Yatra, and this system will function round the clock (24x7) throughout the pilgrimage period.
State Home Secretary Bagauli also stated that instructions have been issued to the IG Garhwal to identify and initiate legal action against individuals attempting to spread misinformation and give the incident a misleading communal narrative through social media, thereby trying to disturb the peaceful environment of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Strict action will be taken against anyone spreading rumours, false information, or social discord.
He reiterated that the Uttarakhand Government and Police Administration remain fully committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and convenience of all pilgrims, tourists, and local residents. Any untoward incident or dispute will be addressed strictly in accordance with the law, and no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
The State Home Secretary appealed to all pilgrims, local residents, and concerned stakeholders to maintain restraint and to seek assistance through the legal and administrative mechanisms established by the government and police in the event of any complaint or dispute.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is smart crisis management - de-escalate before it spirals. The 24x7 grievance cell for the yatra is a practical step. But I hope the investigation is truly fair and not just a way to brush things under the carpet.
Finally, a government that doesn't jump to conclusions. Our country has too many people waiting to turn any incident into a communal fight. Let facts decide, not emotions. Jay Hind 🇮🇳
I appreciate the appeal for restraint but the government should also release the CCTV footage or at least a summary of what actually happened. Transparency builds trust. Otherwise rumors will keep spreading on WhatsApp.
Respectful disagreement: If the government is so sure there's no communal angle, why warn people not to see it that way? That itself raises suspicion. Just investigate silently and present facts. The tone here feels defensive.
Well said! In Uttarakhand, people of all faiths live together. Even during chardham yatra, everyone helps each other. Don't let some mischief makers spoil our Devbhoomi's image. The police should also catch those spreading fake news on social media. 👍
A balanced approach from the state. It's good to see they're taking action against those who spread misinformation online. In today's
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.