Police halt Ramnagar meeting, as tension prevails after demolition of encroachments on forest land

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Ramnagar, 9 Dec: Tension continues to mount in Pucchdi village of Nainital district following the recent anti-encroachment drive on forest land. It may be recalled that a joint team of Police, Administration, and Forest Department had demolished illegal structures in the area on Sunday, sparking continuous protests by affected families and several social organisations.
A meeting was convened today at Ekta Chowk in Pucchdi village to discuss the issue. However, before proceedings could begin, a police team arrived, dispersed the gathering, and stopped the assembly. The local residents alleged that the police intimidated villagers, warning that no meeting would be permitted without prior permission. The disruption created chaos, after which organisers shifted the assembly to the Vyapar Mandal office on Naga Baba Mandir Road in Ramnagar, where speakers levelled serious accusations against the Police and Administration.
The residents of Pucchadi alleged negligence and intimidation, claiming that three days after the demolition of encroachments, no arrangements for shelter or food had been made for the displaced families. Seema Tiwari, one of the affected, said she was compelled to live with her small children under the open sky in the biting cold. She accused the administration of demolishing their homes and then refusing to provide assistance. Lalit Upreti alleged that the police had explicitly warned villagers that anyone attempting to hold an assembly would be sent to jail. He claimed that the police were creating an atmosphere of fear to silence dissent. Upreti further accused the Administration of cutting off electricity and water connections, leaving families struggling for basic needs, and termed the action as outright harassment of poor households.
Villagers warned that if rehabilitation arrangements are not made promptly, the protest would escalate into a larger public movement. They also declared their intention to approach the Court. Police forces remain deployed in the area, and the situation continues to be tense.
Meanwhile, Circle Officer Sumit Pandey stated that the meeting was disallowed due to security concerns. He denied allegations of police misbehaviour and assured that all actions are being carried out in accordance with the rules.