The mosque dispute took a violent turn in Uttarkashi on Thursday, creating a tense atmosphere in the city. When a clash broke out between the police and protesters during a rally called by the United Sanatan dharma Rakshak Dal. During this, 27 people including eight policemen were injured in incidents of stone pelting and lathi charge. In view of the tension, Section 163 of BNS has been imposed.
Giving information about this, SP Uttarkashi amit Srivastava said that the rally of the United Sanatan dharma Rakshak Dal was allowed by the administration on Thursday. Their route and time were also fixed. But, they were adamant on going from another route instead of the fixed route. When the police tried to stop them, some protesters started pelting stones, after which the police used mild force and dispersed the crowd. He told that during this clash, 8 policemen were injured, two of them have serious injuries. Actually, on Thursday, a big rally was called by Hindu organizations against the mosque. During this, a large number of people gathered at Hanuman Chowk. The protesters wanted to march towards the mosque, but the police had already barricaded Vishwanath Tiraha on Bhatwadi Road, so that the rally could not reach the mosque.
Tension in the area after police lathicharge
After which tension increased between the two sides and pushing and shoving started, after which the police lathicharged to disperse the crowd. At the same time, angry protesters pelted stones at the police. In this clash, many people were injured from both the police and the protesters. Officials tried to control the situation, but the protesters refused to listen to 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 spread in the market in small groups and started targeting the shops of traders of other communities. During this, there was chaos in the market and the traders started closing their shops.
Section 163 of BNS implemented in the area
The police and administration took immediate action to control the situation. DM Dr. Meherban Singh Bisht implemented Section 163 of the indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) in the district from late evening till further orders. Under this, gathering of five or more persons in the district has been banned. Apart from this, meetings, processions, demonstrations, and the use of loudspeakers have also been prohibited. Legal action has been warned in case of violation of Section 163.