Bandh call against panchayat upgrade fails to gain traction
The call for a market shutdown in Kunihar from 2 pm to 8 pm, in protest against its upgrade to a Nagar Panchayat (NP), largely failed as most shops remained open. Despite a mahapanchayat’s decision to observe a market closure, the impact was minimal, with only a few shops closing around 4 pm.
Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma confirmed that the protest had little effect, as most traders continued business as usual. The decision for the protest stemmed from opposition by residents of Kunihar, Koti, and Hatkot panchayats, who convened at a mahapanchayat the previous day. Villagers expressed concerns over increased taxation and potential harm to agriculture and animal husbandry.
The Kunihar NP is being formed by merging several areas, including Thawna, Hatkot, Kothi-First, Up Mahal Kothi-Second, Unchagaon and Up Mahal Pulhara. While some areas are fully incorporated, others are only partially included. Notifications listing khasra numbers have been issued to invite objections from the public, and a state government committee is examining these views.
Not all residents oppose the move. Kunihar Panchayat Pradhan, Rakesh Thakur, supported the upgrade, highlighting the potential for better civic amenities, such as street lights, sewage systems, and water supply. He noted that panchayats currently lack sufficient funds for these essential services. Thakur emphasized that Kunihar has already developed an urban character, and the upgrade would bring state and central funding for further development.
Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi stated that residents could register objections, which would be reviewed by the government. However, tensions escalated in the evening when a group of villagers protested against the local administration. Black flags were shown to Revenue Minister Jagat Negi and MLA Sanjay Awasthi, while slogans were raised, and an effigy of the MLA was burned.
Despite the unrest, the proposed upgrade has divided public opinion, with some seeing it as a step towards progress and others fearing adverse impacts on rural livelihoods.
