PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun Taking a stern note of offering of Namaz on the roads, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that obstruction of public roads for religious activities will not be allowed in Uttarakhand. The CM said that the religious beliefs and faith should be respected but no one can be above law in the State. Dhami said that the Chardham Yatra is currently underway in the State and lakhs of devotees are arriving in Uttarakhand for the Yatra. He said that maintaining a peaceful, orderly and disciplined environment in the State is the government’s top priority. He added that roads are for public movement and will not be allowed to become a means of obstruction or holding protest. CM said that Namaz should be offered only in mosques, Eidgahs and designated places. He said that blocking public roads and causing inconvenience to people will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Accusing the Congress party of engaging in appeasement politics, he said that some people are supporting offering Namaz on the roads for the sake of vote bank politics. The CM added that the policy and stance of the Uttarakhand government is clear and transparent on the issue. The CM warned that strict action would be taken against those who spread anarchy by seizing public roads. He reiterated that no one would be allowed to disrupt the peace, culture and discipline in Uttarakhand and that the rule of law would remain paramount in the State. The stance of Dhami on offering Namaz on the roads seems to be inspired by the decision of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath who had banned Namaz on the roads.
