Workers Rally Against Anti-Encroachment Drives | 01 Jun 2024

Why in News?

A large public rally took place at Gandhi Park to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the Tilari agitation. The participants included daily wage earners and members of social organizations that were protesting against the anti-encroachment activities initiated by civic bodies.

Key Points

  • The drives are being carried out in compliance with the National Green Tribunal's directives to remove illegal structures from the flood plains of the Rispana river.
  • Despite the municipal commissioner agreeing that any valid ID could be used as proof of residence, the documents were rejected by Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA).
  • The protester highlighted the lack of time given to challenge these rejections and avoid their families' eviction.

Tilari Agitation

  • On May 30, 1930, a significant satyagraha took place at Tilari against the forestry policies of Tehri Garhwal state, which resembled those implemented by the British in the rest of Uttarakhand.
  • While the Maharaja of Tehri was away in Europe, his Prime Minister, Chakradhar Juyal, brutally suppressed the Tilari protest in a manner reminiscent of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.
  • Troops gunned down defenseless individuals, including young ones, and numerous perished in the Yamuna River while attempting to escape.