DEHRADUN: In view of the proliferating crime in the Doon valley, the local Bar Association and leaders of several political parties, including the UP, have given a call for a protest rally and bandh in the city on August 24,

During the past few months, the valley has witnessed an unprecedented spurt in crime, Incidents of murder, bank dacoits, looting and thefts have increased.

The main perpetrators of crime are the militants and mafia gangs, The militants have been indiscriminately killing police personnel, civilians and looting banks in Dehra Dun, Diwali, Rishiksh and Hardwar during the past six months.

The mafia gangs have been selectively victimizing people. According to a report, militants have been involved in over 24  crimes in and around the valley. The underground mafia has also been using arms to settle scores.

The mafia is suspected to be behind some murders here recently. Harikrishna Garg, 4 lawyer, was murdered on August 12. The murder of a young girl some days ago has generated heat and an agitation was launched by lawyers who have been on strike for the past few days. The lawyers have now decided to launch a public campaign against the mafia gangs.

A meeting called by the Bar Association here was attended, among others, by several local political leaders, These included the Congress committee president, Dinesh Agarwal, Vinod Chamoli, local BJP leader, Kishonilal Saklani.

Article extracted from this publication >> September 4, 1992