PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The May 20 incident in Rishikesh in which local people allegedly stripped and assaulted two tourists from Haryana has now turned into a social media battle between influencers from the two states. Following the incident, several influencers from Haryana started trending “Boycott Uttarakhand” on social media platforms. Many Haryanvi influencers are also posting videos online and urging people from Haryana not to visit Uttarakhand. They are being challenged by the social media users from Uttarakhand. So far, four locals have been arrested in connection with the case.
Police said that the incident had taken place in Rishikesh’s Kali Ki Dhal area after an issue involving a woman, following which a crowd gathered at the spot. The crowd allegedly assaulted the youths from Haryana and also damaged their vehicle.
A Haryana influencer Harsh Chhikara claimed that people from Haryana play a major role in the tourism economy of Haridwar and Rishikesh. He vouched for a one-year boycott of Haridwar and Rishikesh by Haryana residents. He also alleged that people in Uttarakhand target vehicles with Haryana registration numbers and use them as an excuse for assault.
Meanwhile, a senior Uttarakhand Kranti Dal leader, Dev Chandra said that Uttarakhand has always followed the tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” where guests are treated like God. “When Uttarakhand was formed, the first chief minister was from Haryana and certain policies introduced by him as the CM are still affecting the people of Uttarakhand,” he added.
He further said that the people of Uttarakhand have always welcomed visitors with respect. “But some individuals are now spreading hatred on social media and BJP is supporting such activities,” he said.
Asked for comment, the inspector general of police, (Garhwal), Rajeev Swaroop said that police are closely monitoring videos and posts shared by hate influencers on social media. He warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating law and order.
