Tight vigil after kanwarias, locals lock horns over route in Bareilly
LUCKNOW : Following disagreement over route between kanwarias and villagers in Bithri areas of Bareilly on Sunday, the local administration deployed heavy police force along with a battalion of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and paramilitary force.
Reportedly, some kanwarias of Khajuria and nearby villages of Bithri sought permission to pass through one Umariya village.
The permission was denied by the local administration apparently on the complaint of Umariya residents.
“It was also found that the route through Umariya was not listed as the usual route taken by kanwarias. So, they were not permitted to use the route and were told to take the traditional route instead,” said superintendent of police (city), Bareilly, Abhinana- dan Singh.
Though most kanwarias changed their plans after refusal of permission from the administration, over a 100 others refused to pay heed and gathered outside Umariya village. The kanwarias were sitting outside the village in protest by the time this report was filed.
“We are in constant communication with the kanwarias who are sitting near Umariya. We are hopeful that they will change their plans and take the traditional route like others,” informed the superintendent of police .
Local police also checked the movement of local Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Rajesh Mishra aka Pappu Bhartol who earlier supported the demand of route through Amariya. The MLA was not allowed to leave his office and reach the spot on Sunday.
“I was not allowed to go and meet the people of my constitu- ency,” complained Bhartol on the phone.
“I will take up this matter with senior party officials and the chief minister,” he added.
This is the second incident this Shrawan when heavy police force was deployed to ensure law and order in the district. Last week, force was deployed in Khelum village of Aonala following fear of skirmish.