Almora: Youth Congress leader Gopal Bhatt strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government and the Almora district administration during a press conference held here on Sunday. He alleged that the government is trying to suppress the democratic rights of young people and silence voices of dissent.
Bhatt stated that during Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s visit to Danya, Youth Congress workers were peacefully protesting on issues concerning unemployment, recruitment scams, paper leaks, corruption, and women’s safety. However, the administration detained several workers and allegedly kept them in Ranikhet Jail for 24 hours.
According to Bhatt, such action reflects the government’s fear of difficult questions being raised by the youth. He described the detention as an attack on democratic values and freedom of expression.
He claimed that this may be one of the first instances in Uttarakhand where young political activists were held for such a long period merely for raising public concerns. “This was not just a detention but an attempt to silence democratic voices,” he said.
The Youth Congress leader warned that if similar efforts to suppress dissent continue, the organization would be compelled to launch a statewide agitation. He asserted that the government cannot avoid answering questions related to unemployment, examination paper leaks, recruitment irregularities, corruption, and public welfare.
Bhatt further said that arrests and intimidation would not weaken the resolve of young people. “The more the government resorts to repression, the stronger our struggle will become,” he remarked.
He clarified that the protest was not directed against any individual but against policies that, according to the Youth Congress, are adversely affecting the future of young people in the state. He emphasized that asking questions and demanding accountability are fundamental democratic rights.
Among those reportedly detained were Youth Congress leader Gopal Bhatt, Almora Youth Congress District President Vikram Singh Fartyal, Block President Rajkamal, and former Students’ Union Joint Secretary Gaurav Satwal.
The press conference was attended by Vikram Singh Fartyal, Gaurav Satwal, Gaurav Joshi, Kamlesh Bisht, Kiran Arya, Pradeep Bisht, and several other Youth Congress office bearers and workers.
The Youth Congress reiterated its commitment to continue raising public issues and safeguarding democratic rights through peaceful and constitutional means.
