Chamba: In a dramatic turn of events, a Special Police Officer (SPO) from Jammu and Kashmir triggered a major security stir in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district after climbing a tree and threatening to end his life over pending grievances.
The incident, which unfolded near Badero along the Banikhet-Kheri road in Dalhousie, kept the police, fire brigade and even a local MLA on their toes for nearly five hours.
The SPO, identified as Shyam Lal, is currently posted at the Bani police station in Jammu’s Kathua district. He reportedly travelled to Chamba and climbed a tall tree around 4 pm, threatening to jump unless his demands were addressed. Eyewitnesses likened the scene to the iconic ‘Veeru-on-the-tank’ moment from Bollywood blockbuster ‘Sholay’ where the actor (Dharmendra) tries to vent out his ire at actress Hema Malini’s Mausi (aunt) after the latter objects to their wedding. Only this time, it played out in real life, high above the ground and under the watch of alarmed officials.
According to sources, Shyam Lal made an emotional appeal over the phone to the Chamba police, saying he was being neglected by both the government and his department. He accused the authorities of denying him his rightful salary and allowances, alleging that he had been repeatedly ignored despite raising concerns through official channels.
As the situation escalated, the police from Banikhet outpost arrived on the scene, followed by personnel from the fire department and other emergency units. However, the SPO remained adamant, refusing to come down or engage with anyone other than his local MLA from Bani.
With no other option, MLA Rameshwar Singh eventually arrived at the scene around 9 pm to personally intervene. After an intense dialogue, the MLA assured the officer that his grievances would be taken up with the state and central authorities. Only then did Shyam Lal agree to descend.
Speaking to the media after the incident, MLA Rameshwar Singh acknowledged the legitimacy of the SPO’s concerns. “Their honorarium has been reduced from Rs 18,000 to Rs 6,000. His frustration is understandable, but the manner in which he chose to protest was absolutely wrong,” the MLA said.When asked why the protest took place in Himachal rather than Jammu, the MLA responded candidly: “In Jammu, peaceful protesters often face lathicharge. That’s why our people are choosing platforms like Himachal to raise their voice.”
TNR
