The founder of Uttarakhand Raksha Abhiyan (URA), Darshan Bharti has alleged that attempts were being made to encourage radical elements in the State. He said that the URA will protest against a slaughter house approved at Manglaur in Haridwar and a distillery operating at Devprayag.

He also questioned the visit by a representative of the Saudi Arabian royal family and a businessman from United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the temple of lord Shiva- Tungnath recently.

Addressing media persons at the Press Club on Thursday, Bharti said, “Uttarakhand is the cradle of Hindu religion and our holy river Ganga originates here. However, a radical from another State recently came to our Devbhoomi and made provocative statements against Hindu religion. The extremist issued open threat citing violence and weapons, against the unity and integrity of the nation, opposing which we conducted a rally also.

During the rally some extremists used violence against our members, but the police are filing complaint against us.  We demand that the Government withdraw all the cases filed against our members immediately.” Speaking about their protest against the slaughter house and the distillery he said, “On the one hand the ruling BJP Government in the State is talking about providing Gangajal to each house in the State,  while on the other hand they are facilitating a distillery at Devprayag where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi merge to form the Ganga.

This is against the tradition, custom and faith of Hindus. Similarly, Government should take back the permission granted to open a slaughter house in Haridwar.”

About the Khanpur MLA Pranav Singh ‘Champion’ he said, “MLAs like him should be immediately suspended and should not be allowed inside the assembly. For this all political parties should unite and not accept him in any party.”