Agencies in deep slumber : Sikh pilgrim multiple scuffles & violence in HP

Himachal Pradesh known for absolute peace and serene environment since centuries is witnessing nasty incidence of scuffles and violence, as some religious organization are possing challenge to traffic, civic and law and order. More over, the State and Central agencies are caught in a slumber. Noteworthy, that it was only a week that a meeting between HP and Punjab, Haryana Director General of Police took place wherein it was pledged that together they would deal with Tablagi Jamat related and religious pilgrims.

Three incidents unfolded in the state including in Manikaran in Kullu district, Kasol and Dharamshala in Kangra district but State agencies are responding mildy.

To many citizens, it seems that perhaps the issue is being brushed aside by government and Police, terming them mutual rivalery.

Reportedly, number of pilgrims bearing Sikh religious flags and doning turban created ruckus near Manikaran last night. Reports are of pelting stones and smashing windowpanes of parked vehicles. Similar groups, waging religious pilgrimages in state could be seen in number of places including Kasol and at Meclodganj near Dharmshala after last night, fueling law and order problem in the state.

However the police responded mildly over such a sensitive issue. Issuing a statement on these incidents the police spokesperson said regarding Manikaran incident that, “Do not fall prey to fake news and rumour mongering”. The DGP- HP Sanjay Kundu has spoken to DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav. All tourists and pilgrims are welcome to Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Police assures of hassle-free visit to all tourists and pilgrims, they stated.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the two states are in touch and clashes occurred between two groups. He said that there is no challenge to communal harmony and state law and order is under control.

There are also unconfirmed reports that tension was also seen on the Kiratpur border after these Kullu incidents. Unable to avert the incident, SP Kullu Sakshi Verma and DIG Central Range Madhusudan Sharma, CPS Sundar Singh Thakur, DC Kullu had to rush to Manikaran last night. The district administration has held a meeting with the Gurudwara management and local panchayat representatives in the matter.

SP Sakshi Verma briefed that the situation is completely under control. Police have registered a case against unknown people. The atmosphere in the valley is completely calm. Tourists could come to the valley.

A video of lawless holiguns creating ruckus became viral; shows the broken window pane of parked vehicle.However authenticity of the video could not be confirmed by the police.