Dehradun: Amid frequent reports of demographic changes in several areas of the hilly state, the Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered the police to start a ‘verification campaign’ to verify the people living in the state. CM Dhami also met DGP Abhinav Kumar and other senior police officers, and directed them to take stern action against demographic change, conversion, and love jihad in the state.
While briefing about the verification campaign, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar informed that there has been no census for population after the year 2011, but some people believe, especially in the hill districts, that the state demography has been changed over the past few years.
Demography has changed due to outsiders
DGP Abhinav Kumar stated on Saturday that there hasn’t been a census for population information since 2011. However, some people, particularly in the hill districts, believe that the demographic landscape has changed due to the settlement of outsiders in recent years. As a result, a month-long verification campaign has been initiated to check the anti-social elements settled in the state. “When this campaign completes, a conclusion can be reached about the demographic change in the state” DGP stated.
83 percent population was Hindu during last census
During the 2011 census, Uttarakhand’s total population was approximately 1.10 crores. Of this, around 84 lakhs were Hindus, making up 83% of the population. Muslims accounted for 14.06 lakh, or 13.9%, while Sikhs comprised 2.34%. Notably, in the 2001 census, the Muslim population in the state was 10.12 lakhs.
Intent to convert by marrying will be punished
In the cases of ‘love jihad’ in the state, the DGP said that two adults are free to choose their life partners and can live together with each other’s consent. However, if someone undergoes a relationship with the intention of converting the partner’s religion, the police will take action under the existing laws. People with no such intentions will not be harassed by the police.
Conspiracy to change the demography of hill state
In the recent past, some Hindu outfits alleged that the demography of Uttarakhand is being changed by outsiders from a particular community. Resultantly, the population of Muslims has increased massively in some hill districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal. According to these religious organizations, it is being carried out in a planned manner and it is part of a wider conspiracy to change the demography of Uttarakhand.
Recent protests in hilly parts of Uttarakhand
Recently, communal tensions have arisen in hilly areas such as Purola town in Uttarkashi, Dharchula, and Nandanagar in Chamoli. The issue of “love jihad” has significantly contributed to these tensions. Hindu activists have raised concerns about the increasing presence of outsiders in the state. In response to these protests, CM Dhami initiated a verification campaign.