India: Uttarakhand Situation - Statement by Citizens for Peace | June 12, 2023

We would like to express our concern over the deteriorating social situation in the state, especially in the context of the developments in the last few weeks. It is not conducive to the present welfare or to the future progress of Uttarakhand, that person be displaced or livelihoods be disrupted in the state.

We appeal to the people to maintain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

If Uttarakhand is to evolve as a forward-looking state it is necessary for all sections of the people to nurture and strengthen a sense of goodwill towards, and solidarity with, one another.

In this connection, we commend the initiative and courage of those individuals who have stood up for peace and unity during these difficult days in certain parts of the state It is to be expected that the administration too would demonstrate a greater positive resolve to ensure normalcy so that all sections of the people are able to pursue the ordinary course of their lives in mutual amity and without fear.

Towards this end, we believe that it is vitally necessary also that All Party Committees for Peace are set up at the State and district levels. We hope that no time would be lost and that such committees would speedily be established so that the unfortunate situation in certain parts of the state does not escalate in any manner; and all connected issues are fairly, justly, and satisfactorily dealt with.

11 June 2023

S K DAS
VIJAY DOUGALL
SUMITA HAZARIKA
NICHOLAS HOFFLAND
SYED KAZMI
ANIL NAURIYA
BIJU NEGI
MADHU PRASAD
PRAN SHARMA