Unverified migrants, encroachments lead to concerns in Paonta

Under the banner of the Hindu Jagran Manch, various Hindu organisations staged a protest in Paonta Sahib of Sirmaur district.

The demonstrators voiced their opposition to the recent instance of lathi-charge on members of the Hindu community in Shimla. Additionally, they demanded strict action against the allegedly illegal land acquisitions by the Waqf Board and unverified individuals from other states who are living in Himachal Pradesh.

Following the protest, activists of the Hindu Jagran Manch submitted a memorandum to the state government through the local tehsildar, seeking immediate action on these concerns.

Leaders of the Hindu Jagran Manch also expressed their ‘concern’ over the presence of a significant number of people, hailing from outside the state, but living in HP without proper police verification. They claimed that in the border town of Paonta Sahib, many such individuals, particularly from a specific community, had settled unlawfully.

The Manch further called upon the public to refrain from renting their houses or shops to outsiders without verification.

The organisation also urged the police to carry out a thorough verification of all such residents. They also demanded strict action against individuals from other states, who had obtained identification documents fraudulently.

The Hindu organisations had called for a statewide shutdown of markets on Saturday to protest these issues. The impact was seen partially across various parts of Sirmaur district, including Paonta Sahib, Rajgarh, Ronhat, Shillai, Haripurdhar and in few other places. While some traders closed their shops for one or two hours in the morning, most businesses remained open for the rest of the day.

In addition to the protests, groups belonging to Hindu outfits gathered at select locations in Paonta Sahib and other areas and collectively recited the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ as part of their demonstration.

Tehsildar Rishabh Sharma assured the protesters that the administration would take appropriate action against individuals who had occupied land unlawfully. He added that all encroachments would also be removed in accordance with the law. The administration further appealed to all communities to maintain peace and harmony during this period of unrest.