Pithoragarh: In a significant development, ex-servicemen in Uttarakhand on Tuesday suspended their 62-day-long protest against the proposed relocation of the 130 Environment Battalion, following what they termed a “moral assurance” from the district administration.
The protest, led by the ex-servicemen’s organization, had been gaining momentum over concerns that shifting the battalion would weaken both ecological protection efforts and the strategic importance of the border region.
The situation saw a breakthrough when the Sub-Divisional Magistrate personally reached the protest site and informed the gathering that the relocation process has been halted for now.
He further assured the protesters that the administration would make all possible efforts to ensure that the halt is converted into a permanent decision. Following this assurance, the ex-servicemen decided to adopt a conciliatory approach and formally suspend the agitation.
In a symbolic gesture marking the end of the current phase of the protest, the SDM offered juice to the movement’s president, Subedar Major Ramesh Singh Mahar, signaling closure of the 62-day sit-in.
Despite the temporary relief, the ex-servicemen made it clear that the protest is far from over. Organization president Mayukh Bhatt stated that the protest has only been paused, not ended. “This is a fight to protect our heritage and the Himalayas. We will continue until the relocation proposal is permanently scrapped,” he asserted.
The group also emphasized that it will continue engaging with both the state and central governments to push for a permanent resolution. Issuing a warning, they said that if any fresh move to relocate the battalion is initiated, the agitation will resume with greater intensity, drawing wider public participation.
The protest site witnessed the presence of several prominent figures and groups, including members of the Senior Citizens Association, former MLA and senior leader of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal Kashi Singh Airy, and representatives associated with Patanjali Yogpeeth, among others, along with hundreds of ex-servicemen.
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