Expressing concern over the recent terrorist attacks on Pathankot air base, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that it is going on the track of becoming a low intensity war. Incidents like these are a serious concern from the country’s security point of view, he said. The timely valorous act of Indian soldiers averted a high intensity war which is praiseworthy, though the loss of lives was tragic, said Rawat.
At the same time, the CM also expressed full confidence in the State’s police force and assured that elaborate security arrangements would be made for the snan days of Ardh Kumbh Mela.
The city of Haridwar will turn into a fortress ahead of the first shahi snan on January 14 said the Chief Minister during his visit to Haridwar on Monday. He reviewed the Ardh Kumbh Mela works at Har Ki Pauri, laltarao bridge and hill by pass road and expressed satisfaction on the work pace.
Speaking to The Pioneer he said, “The terrorists were half way successful in their ill intentions of blowing off the air base. We must take it seriously. It is a matter of grave concern for the country. For Ardh Kumbh Mela in the holy city, security arrangements shall be tight and elaborate. I have full faith in our forces as far as security is concerned.”
When asked to comment on the Centre not releasing funds for the Ardh Kumbh, he said, “I congratulate the BJP workers on their success of stopping the funds for the fair but state government has generated its own funds and undertaken developmental tasks. Not only for this Ardh Kumbh Mela but also for the Kumbh Mela to be held in 2021, we have started our preparations now itself for the success of the mega event.”
Taking a dig at the central government, CM said, “They are announcing char dhams like thing in Noida but the actual place from where the char dham pilgrimage begins is left high and dry as far as release of funds is concerned.” Making a mockery of the episode, he said, “I am always carrying a ‘thanks letter’ in my pocket addressed to the PM in case the budget is released for mela.”
The CM also appealed to the VIPs in the state to cut down their security which could then be deployed for the Ardh Kumbh. “I myself will cut down my personal security and ask others to downsize theirs too.”