Members of the PBOR Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association staged a protest in Pachhwadoon, Vikasnagar, over an alleged statement in which Uttarakhand residents were referred to as “infiltrators”. The protesters burned an effigy of Akhilesh Yadav and demanded that he publicly apologise to the people of the state.
The demonstration was led by association president Bhupendra Singh Dogra. The former servicemen said the alleged remark concerned the dignity and respect of Uttarakhand’s residents.
Protesters seek apology and action
The association members called the use of the term “infiltrators” for Uttarakhand residents unfortunate and unacceptable. They said public figures should exercise responsibility when making statements and should avoid language that could hurt the dignity of people from any state.
The protesters also asked the central government to take cognisance of the matter and initiate appropriate action. They said Akhilesh Yadav should explain his position before the people of Uttarakhand and issue a public apology.
The protest’s senior vice-president, Suresh Nautiyal, referred to Uttarakhand’s political history while explaining the association’s objection. He said the region was previously part of Uttar Pradesh before becoming a separate state.
Nautiyal said Uttarakhand had developed its own identity after statehood. He added that political differences could continue, but comments that offend the people of a state should be avoided.
Former servicemen present
Those named as participating in the demonstration included Captain Bhim Singh, Samarjeet Pathania, Kuldeep Chandel, Kailash Dobriyal, Suresh Kumar, Praveen Dogra, RS Negi, Devendra Rawat, Omprakash Rana, Garhwal Sabha president Roshan Negi and Neeraj Thakur.
The protesters maintained that their demand was focused on the alleged remark and its impact on the dignity of Uttarakhand residents. Their stated next steps are a public apology from Akhilesh Yadav and appropriate action by the central government.
Conclusion
Former servicemen in Vikasnagar’s Pachhwadoon area protested over an alleged “infiltrator” remark about Uttarakhand residents, burned an effigy of Akhilesh Yadav and demanded a public apology along with central government action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why did former servicemen protest in Vikasnagar?
They protested over an alleged remark referring to Uttarakhand residents as “infiltrators”.
Q. Which organisation held the demonstration?
The demonstration was held by the PBOR Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association of Pachhwadoon.
Q. Who led the protest?
The protest was led by association president Bhupendra Singh Dogra.
Q. What did the protesters demand from Akhilesh Yadav?
They demanded that he explain his position and publicly apologise to the people of Uttarakhand.
Q. What action did the protesters seek from the central government?
They urged the central government to take cognisance of the matter and initiate appropriate action.
Q. What did Suresh Nautiyal say about Uttarakhand?
He said Uttarakhand was previously part of Uttar Pradesh and developed its own identity after becoming a separate state.
