Political parties and organisations, including the Congress, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) and Swaraj Seva Dal, staged a protest at Jangalchatti in Gairsain during the Uttarakhand Assembly session, demanding that Gairsain be made the state’s permanent capital.
The demonstration took place as the two-day Assembly session began at Bhararisain in Chamoli district. Along with the permanent capital demand, protesters raised concerns over the short duration of the session and called for the fulfilment of demands made by village heads.
Protesters gathered near the barricades at Jangalchatti, along the main road leading to the Assembly building. Members of the village heads’ organisation, UKD and Swaraj Abhiyan participated in the demonstration and expressed their dissatisfaction with the government.
Traffic disrupted on Assembly route
The protest affected traffic on the road leading to the Assembly. Officials, employees and media personnel travelling to the session also faced difficulties as the demonstration continued near the barricades.
Police personnel worked to manage the situation and prevent protesters from proceeding towards the Assembly building. Several demonstrators were taken into custody during the protest.
The demonstration added to political activity around the Assembly session, with different organisations seeking to press their demands while the House was in session.
Permanent capital demand raised again
The demand to make Gairsain the permanent capital of Uttarakhand has remained a recurring issue in the state’s political debate. Protesters used the Assembly session to renew their call for a decision on the issue.
The two-day session at Bhararisain has also drawn attention to the duration of the proceedings, with some organisations questioning whether the brief session would provide sufficient time to address public and regional concerns.
Various political parties and groups have been holding demonstrations near the Assembly as they seek to bring their demands to the government’s attention. Police have been stopping protesters before they reach the Assembly building.
The protest at Jangalchatti underscored the continued political significance of Gairsain and the demands being raised during the Assembly session.
