locals and villagers in the Joshimath region have not given up on their long-standing demand for declaring Joshimath a backward area with the latest protest movement continuing since it was launched on September 12. Reiterating their demand, a large number of locals and the residents of various villages in the region, school children and a considerable number of women in particular took part in a protest rally held in support of their demand in Joshimath town on Friday. Raising slogans against the Badrinath MlA and the State Chief Minister, the protesters blamed the State Government for further disturbing public sentiment by taking no decision or action regarding this demand so far.
Head of the local public committee spearheading movement in support of the demand, Ramesh Chandra Sati reiterated his earlier warning that in case the Government fails to undertake any action on this issue in the near future, the protest will be intensified with relay hunger strike and even fast unto death. He said, “Even after this, if the state government continues to maintain its apathetic stance towards the demand for declaring Joshimath a backward area, the people living in the region will decide in favour of furthering the protest by boycotting the Vidhan Sabha elections slated for 2017. A door to door campaign will also be undertaken in the region if required to make the villagers more aware on this issue.”
The protesting public will continue with their protest and not relent till their demand is met failing which the Congress candidate who is fielded from this region in the 2017 Vidhan Sabha elections may face a tougher challenge in the form of disgruntled voters of the area in question, added the protesters.