Dehradun, May 22: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami adopted a strict stance on Friday regarding the practice of offering prayers on public roads. He stated that such activities will not be permitted in the state. Additionally, he warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt traffic or law and order during the Char Dham Yatra. He emphasized that while every religion deserves respect, no one is above the law.
In response to a senior Congress leader advocating for prayers on the streets, the Chief Minister asserted that religious activities should occur in designated places such as mosques and Eidgahs, rather than public spaces that could inconvenience others.
“I heard a senior Congress leader say that prayers should be allowed on the roads. We have made it clear that there are designated places for prayers, and they should be conducted there. This is the established order, and no one has the right to disrupt it,” Dhami stated.
He noted that the Char Dham Yatra is currently underway, attracting millions of devotees from across the country to visit the sacred sites in Uttarakhand. Maintaining smooth traffic and law and order during this period is the government’s top priority.
“The Char Dham Yatra is ongoing, and people are arriving in the land of the gods via various routes. At such times, roads cannot be allowed to become a medium for religious demonstrations or disruptions. We have decided that, at all costs, devotees and pilgrims coming to our state should not face any inconvenience,” he added.
CM Dhami pointed out that the large influx of devotees already poses a challenge for the administration, and any activities that disrupt public movement will not be tolerated. No individual or group can consider themselves above the law and order.
“Everyone should respect faith, but no one is above the law. If someone wishes to pray, they should do so in mosques, Eidgahs, and designated places. There should be no disruption in public spaces, and no one should face inconvenience due to others,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also criticized opposition parties, stating that some leaders view every issue solely through the lens of vote bank politics, which is not right. In such matters, appeasement and political thinking should be set aside. Those who have engaged in appeasement politics in the land of the gods for years may continue, but we will not partake in such politics.
He further asserted that his government will not allow Uttarakhand’s “peace, culture, and discipline” to be compromised under any circumstances. He described the land of the gods as one of religious and spiritual significance.
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