New Delhi: Amid ongoing communal tensions in Uttarakhand, the Uttarkashi district administration on Tuesday imposed Section 144 in the Purola town, soon after it denied permission to hold maha panchayat on June 15 called by Hindu groups over alleged 'love-jihad' cases, reported ANI.




"Section 144 CrPC imposed in Purola," said DM Uttarkashi Abhishek Rohilla.

 

DGP Ashok Kumar said that no one will be allowed to disturb law and order in the state.

 

Notably, Communal tension has been brewing in Purola and some other towns of Uttarkashi district after two men, one of them Muslim, allegedly tried to abduct a Hindu girl on May 26.



The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea to prevent the 'Mahapanchayat' proposed to be held in Purola town amid rising communal tensions in the State.

 

However, the apex court allowed the petitioner to approach the High Court or concerned authorities for relief.

 

At least 42 shops belonging to Muslims have reportedly been closed in Purola since May 26.
    
Posters were pasted by unidentified people on shops owned by Muslims, asking them to leave the town before a 'maha panchayat' called by Hindu organisations in Purola on June 15 or prepare to face consequences.

 

On Monday, DM Abhishek Ruhela and SP Arpan Yaduvanshi met with the local public representatives and appealed to maintain harmony and peace in the area.

 

The district administration held a meeting with local businessmen and people of other organizations and held a detailed discussion on opening shops and maintaining peace. The DM took feedback from the people regarding the possible maha panchayat convened on 15 June.

 

Taking a meeting here, District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela appealed to both communities to maintain a peaceful system and not to be misled by anyone. Also appealed to open community special shops with the consent of the representatives of the Board of Trade.

 

The DM assured full police protection to the businessmen of the particular community and said that those who spoil the environment through posters are being investigated. The instigator will not be spared, he said.