Dehradun: A delegation representing Uttarakhand’s Sikh community met Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Secretariat regarding the atmosphere created after the violent clash in Karnaprayag. The delegation expressed concern over attempts to portray the incident as a conflict between two communities and demanded action against misleading narratives being spread on social media.
Led by Gurjinder Singh, the delegation stated that presenting the Karnaprayag incident as a Hindu-Sikh or hill residents versus Sikh conflict is incorrect. They emphasized that it was a dispute between two parties and warned that giving it a communal angle could create unnecessary social tension.
Demand to Curb Misinformation on Social Media
The delegation alleged that misleading and hate-filled content targeting the Sikh community was being circulated on various social media platforms. They urged the government to take strict action against those spreading misinformation and rumors.
“Uttarakhand Is Our Home Too”
Gurjinder Singh said that the Sikh community is an integral part of Uttarakhand and has made significant contributions to the state’s development. He highlighted the community’s service during difficult times, including the 2013 Kedarnath disaster.
He added that most Sikh families in Uttarakhand were born and raised in the state and consider it their home. Therefore, targeting the entire community based on a single incident would be unfair.
Appeal to Follow the Law
The delegation appealed to pilgrims and local residents during the Char Dham Yatra to seek legal remedies in case of disputes and avoid taking the law into their own hands. They noted that adequate security arrangements have been made by the government and police administration along the pilgrimage routes.
CM Appeals for Peace and Harmony
Chief Minister Dhami said that while a large number of pilgrims visit the state during the Char Dham Yatra, some anti-social elements may attempt to disturb the atmosphere. He reiterated that the government’s priority is to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
He stated that security arrangements along the pilgrimage routes are being continuously strengthened and that police and security forces remain fully alert. The Chief Minister urged people not to believe rumors or misleading information and to cooperate with the administration in maintaining social harmony.
