Pithoragarh, November 21: A huge crowd of over 20,000 youths from Uttar Pradesh gathered at the regional army recruitment rally in Pithoragarh on Wednesday. The overwhelming number of participants led to a chaotic situation, with youths pushing and shoving to enter the venue. Several youths climbed over the army’s gate, causing it to break. In an attempt to control the crowd, army personnel were forced to use batons, creating a scene of panic. Several youths were injured in the process.
The crowd began gathering near the recruitment site in Jajardeval Devkatia on Tuesday night. By early morning on Wednesday, the roads leading to the recruitment site and nearby hills were packed with young candidates. By 6 AM, a massive crowd had gathered at the army’s entrance, with youths struggling to enter the site. Despite repeated announcements from the army asking people to step back, the crowd refused to comply. Several youths climbed the gate, causing it to collapse.
In order to restore order, army personnel used batons, leading to a stampede. This resulted in shoes, bags, and clothes being scattered on the ground, and several youths were injured in the process.
After the situation was brought under control, army and police personnel organized the youths into groups and escorted them to the recruitment grounds. Due to the massive crowd, the recruitment process started later than usual, and youths continued to arrive well into the afternoon. By evening, the process was still ongoing.
The administration had arranged transportation for the youths, including parking facilities at the APS sports ground. Those who failed to qualify in the recruitment process were sent back by buses and taxis. Around 11,000 candidates were transported to Tanakpur by 200 buses and 300 taxis by 5 PM. The remaining youths were provided with accommodation and meals.
Meanwhile, rumors spread claiming that 6-7 people had died during the recruitment rally. This news caused widespread concern, with people calling media offices for confirmation. However, the police later issued a statement denying the rumors, confirming that no such incidents had occurred. The police warned that those spreading such false information would be identified and dealt with strictly. They also appealed to the public and the candidates not to believe or circulate any baseless rumors.
District Magistrate Vinod Goswami and Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav were present at the site, overseeing the situation and reviewing security measures. Both officials had inspected the venue late on Tuesday night and reviewed the arrangements made for youths from other states attending the recruitment. They provided necessary instructions to the officers and security personnel to ensure smooth operations.
Despite the unexpected chaos, the administration and security forces managed to control the situation and allowed the youths to participate in the recruitment process.
