Contemporary challenges to peace and harmony threaten Uttarakhand, say activists
Dehradun: Social activists in Uttarakhand have raised serious concerns over the growing threats to peace and communal harmony in the state, citing changing modern landscape, rising intolerance, socio-political polarisation, and weakening democratic institutions.
The concerns were voiced during the third anniversary of Insaniyat Manch – a collective of 20 social organisations working towards social justice and harmony in the region – observed in Dehradun on Sunday.
Addressing the gathering, senior Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Parikh highlighted the decline in the adherence to constitutional values in the country. "Our Constitution's preamble says it all: liberty, equality, and fraternity.
It does not discriminate on the basis of religion—it is the ultimate religion. However, today, we are witnessing the opposite. True patriotism is an extension of self towards others, and now selfless deeds are questioned, and so is your patriotism at every turn just for having freedom of thought," he said.
Parikh also pointed to several other challenges affecting peace and harmony including increasing poverty, misuse of the money laundering act, encounter killings, trolling of judges, and questionable integrity of once independent bodies like CBI and the Election Commission of India.
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Activists said that the once-peaceful hill state of Uttarakhand is now grappling with growing communal discord. "Uttarakhand is gradually becoming a laboratory of hatred where even women are now being targeted. From Purola to Nainital, we are seeing hatred and intolerance spread faster than ever. Women raising their voices against communal strife are threatened with rape. Minorities are regularly being targeted.
Structures of historic significance like the Doon Hospital mazar are being wiped overnight," said Dr Ravi Chopra of the Uttarakhand Insaniyat Manch.
Chopra emphasised that the state should instead be focusing on pressing issues like unemployment, rising drug abuse, corruption, and sustainable development. Activists called for the urgent preservation of the glaciers, forests, and for commitment in sustainable urban development.
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