Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reacted strongly to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s comment calling people from Uttarakhand ‘infiltrators’ in Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister stated that referring to the people of Uttarakhand as infiltrators is an insult to their self-respect and the sacrifices made during the statehood movement. He also reminded Akhilesh Yadav of the firing incident at Muzaffarnagar’s Rampur Tiraha during the Uttarakhand statehood agitation.
Describing Uttarakhand as a land of gods (Devbhoomi) and brave soldiers (Veerbhoomi), Chief Minister Dhami stated that the people here fought a long struggle and made numerous sacrifices for the creation of a separate state. Under such circumstances, any remark questioning the self-respect of Uttarakhand’s people is unacceptable. He added that Uttarakhand possesses a glorious history that must not be ignored.
Reminds of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Tenure
Referencing the Rampur Tiraha firing incident, the Chief Minister recalled that during the agitation demanding a separate state for Uttarakhand, Akhilesh Yadav’s father Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The firing on statehood agitators at Rampur Tiraha in Muzaffarnagar remains one of the major tragic events of the Uttarakhand statehood movement. Dhami asserted that the struggle and sacrifices of the people of the state cannot be forgotten.
Demands Response from Congress
Chief Minister Dhami also asked the Congress party to clarify its stand on this matter. He questioned whether Congress agrees with the statement made by its political ally Akhilesh Yadav, and whether calling the people of Uttarakhand infiltrators is acceptable to them. Dhami demanded a clear answer from Congress on this issue.
