Won't Allow Uttarakhand To Become Soft Target For 'Love Jihad': CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the state government is committed to restoring peace in areas affected by communal tensions.

He emphasized that the government was not against anyone, but "but will not allow Uttarakhand to become a soft target for love jihad", reports Times of India.

Dhami's statement comes in the wake of the simmering communal tensions in the hill state that started from Purola town in Uttarkashi after alleged elopement bid involving a Muslim youth, and spread to other parts of the state.

The CM added that the DGP has been directed to investigate the incidents, compile a report and take action.

"In the last few months, there has been a spurt in the number of such incidents on the ground. We live with the spirit of brotherhood but it does not mean such wrongful acts will be allowed," CM Dhami was quoted by ToI as saying.

The government has also appealed for calm and warned that anyone guilty of wrongdoing will not be spared, the Uttarakhand CM said.

"No one will be allowed to disrupt the law and order situation at Purola or anywhere in the state," he said.

"Teams of district officials and police have spoken to people in Purola and repeated requests have been made to maintain peace," the Uttarakhand CM added.

Dhami had recently met Waqf Board members, including a BJP leader, and members of the minority community who sought protection from him for Muslims.

Regarding the meeting, Dhami said he assured the delegation that no harm would be done to anyone.

Dhami also informed that certain issues were raised by the delegation and he has directed the officials to "look into those".

Dhami further said that the state government had been getting inputs on "demographic changes" taking place in Uttarakhand, especially in the hilly regions of the state.

"The hills are known for beautiful locations and peace. However, we were forced to look into the matter, and also find out the motive of people shifting to these pockets. Areas which have witnessed demographic changes are also witnessing issues related to law and order. Therefore, I have asked the police to take this seriously," he said.

The CM added that the top police officials have been directed to conduct regular verification drives to ensure people entering the state have no foul intentions.