Protest Erupts in Uttarakhand Over Minister's 'Pahadi' Remarks

Residents of Uttarakhand protested against cabinet minister Premchand Aggarwal's alleged remarks about the hill community. Demonstrators burned his effigy, conducted a mock funeral, and gathered under the Uttarakhand Swabhiman Morcha banner. Aggarwal's comments in the Assembly, considered offensive to the mountain community, have sparked widespread discontent.

Residents in Uttarakhand staged a demonstration on Saturday, incinerating an effigy of cabinet minister Premchand Aggarwal in protest of his remarks about the hill people made in the state Assembly.

The tension began when Aggarwal reacted strongly to a comment from the opposition, insisting that terms like 'pahadi' and 'desi' should not be used. This reaction fueled a heated exchange between him and opposition members, leading to public outrage.

Under the banner of the Uttarakhand Swabhiman Morcha, a mock funeral procession was held, accompanied by a sizable protest outside Aggarwal's office on Barrage Road, prompting significant police presence. Community leaders pledged to continue opposing Aggarwal's disparaging comments.