Given the ‘Land Jihad’ problem that has been rapidly increasing in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, the state is witnessing major demographic shifts that can further lead to an exodus of local people. The government, recognizing the “unprecedented” increase in population of a particular ‘special’ community in parts of Uttarakhand, is all set to take precautionary measures to prevent any kind of exodus or unnatural and concerted demographic takeovers in cities and areas of religious significance to the Hindu community.
“Illegal land deals” led to demographic changes
With the increasing illegal land deals in many districts of the state, the demography is changing fast. Few days back, the Uttarakhand Government said, “There has been an “unprecedented” increase in population in parts of Uttarakhand forcing “members of a certain community” to shift out.”
The Government further stated, “Due to unprecedented rise in population in certain areas of the state, the demography of those areas has been majorly affected. And due to this demographic change, members of a certain community are forced to migrate from those areas. Also, there are possibilities that the communal harmony in those areas may be disturbed.”
Earlier this month, Uttarakhand BJP leader Ajendra Ajay also had written to CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, to object to the illegal purchase of land by “members of a certain community”. Terming it as Land Jihad, he wrote that the lands purchased are being used for setting up places of worship.
The Government all set to take action
According to a report by the Times of India, the official release stated, “There is a possibility of communal atmosphere getting vitiated in some places. Expressing concern over the situation, the government has directed the DGP, all district magistrates and SSPs to take precautionary steps to address the problem”.
However, to address the problem, the government has called for the formation of peace committees in various areas. In addition to that, the police and the district administrators have been ordered to ensure regular meetings of the proposed district-level peace committees and “identify areas where antisocial elements are living”, as per the reports.
I totally support #uttarakhandgovernment in #landjihad in my place its going also so many peoples coming from out side and the #Congress leaders #AdharCard and #rashanCards Evan the peoples are local they can't get pepper ready. #modiji #PushkarSinghDhami #AmitShah #Uttrakhandgov pic.twitter.com/2FT5hZnQ0X
— Ajay Belwal (@AjayBelwal6) September 26, 2021
The government statement said, “A list of all such people should be made who have a criminal background and are living in Uttarakhand. A verification of their profession and domicile status should be done to make their records. The DMs (district magistrates) should also monitor the illegal land dealings in their districts and check whether someone is selling his land out of fear or pressure. If it is found so, then they should stop it and take strict action against those responsible for it.”
TFI had predicted the “land jihad” three years back
Three years back, TFI had reported that the Hindu exodus from the Dev Bhoomi will become a huge problem in the state. As per TFI reports, 60 Hindu families had left the village since 1994 due to harassment and under pressure from the Muslim community. The remaining villagers were on a hunger strike against harassment by the Muslim community and were demanding immediate security from the government.
Read more: The Ghost of Kairana visits Devbhoomi
In a nutshell, “land jihad”, as predicted by TFI three years back, has become a major concern in the state for both the local people and the government as well. Thus, the government needs to take note of it and look for preventive measures to retain communal harmony and avoid any exodus as well.
