Fringe right-wing elements are allegedly intimidating Muslim shopkeepers in Haldwani and coercing them to shut their businesses and leave Hindu-dominated areas like Kamluaganj and Kathgharia. Several incidents of vandalism and targeting of minority shopkeepers have been reported.
The harassment of locals in the hands of hydro project companies has long since been an issue in the state. A recent incident in Helang village has led to individuals and organisations coming together like never before.
Protests were witnessed in Dehradun, Ramnagar, Haridwar, Chamoli, Nainital, Shrinagar, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar and some other districts of Uttarakhand.
Dehradun was once a pristine town dotted with canals and fruit orchards. Today, it is choked and polluted, testament to a colossal failure of urban planning.