Protesters demand action on unregistered migrants in Solan

Solan, September 17: Tension mounted in Solan, as members of Sarv Hindu Samaj and Vyapar Mandal staged a protest demanding strict action on unregistered migrants living in the district. The protest was organised in response to the recent lathicharge on protesters in Sanjauli in Shimla, and also demanded immediate action against migrants living without proper documentation.

The protest began in the morning, with shops remaining closed in Solan from 9 am to 12 noon. Protesters gathered at Children’s Park carrying saffron flags and began a rally, which passed through major areas, including the old bus stand and Kotlanala Chowk. The crowd raised slogans and expressed concern about the rising number of unregistered migrants in the district, demanding immediate police action to confirm their status.

During the protest, tension escalated as clashes broke out at several places. Near the old bus stand, a man was allegedly beaten up for misbehaving with the crowd. The protesters also recited Hanuman Chalisa in front of a mosque near the old bus stand, making the atmosphere even more tense. Police commandos were deployed at various places to maintain order.

At the conclusion of the demonstration, a memorandum was submitted to Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma, which stated three major demands: removal of illegal vendors from Solan streets, strict enforcement of laws regarding rent of shops and illegal construction, and immediate registration of migrants living in the district. The protesters gave the authorities a 10-day deadline to meet their demands or else face further demonstrations.