Thousands join rally, demand action, submit memo to Governor
Munish Sood
Kullu:
Weeks after tensions flared during the International Kullu Dussehra festival, the long-simmering dispute between Tehsildar Hari Singh Yadav and local devotee Rahul has resurfaced, triggering a large-scale face-off between the district administration and several Hindu organisations. What began as a local disagreement has now grown into a major confrontation over faith and governance, drawing thousands of protesters onto the streets of Kullu on Monday.
Under the banner of the Hindu Raksha Manch and Dev Samaj Sangharsh Samiti, a massive rally started from Bhutnath Bridge, moving through Sarwari, Sheetla Mata Temple and Dhalpur, before converging outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Demonstrators carrying saffron flags chanted slogans such as “Jai Devbhoomi” and “Remove the Tehsildar,” alleging that the officer had shown disrespect towards local deities during Dussehra, an act they termed “unacceptable in the land of gods”.
By midday, the town centre had turned into a sea of saffron as devotees demanded justice for the “insult of deities” and sought the Tehsildar’s suspension.
Leaders demand swift action
Addressing the crowd, Hindu Raksha Manch president Kamal Gautam said the officer’s conduct had “deeply hurt religious sentiments” and called for his immediate transfer and legal action. Similar demands were raised by state executive president Khushhal Guleria, Hindu Raksha Youth Wing chief Anurag Sharma and Dev Samaj Sangharsh Samiti president Aman Sood, who urged the administration to file an FIR.
A delegation later met Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravish and Superintendent of Police Madan Lal, handing over a memorandum outlining their demands.
Memorandum to Governor Lists 10-point charter on Dev Culture
In a formal memorandum addressed to the Himachal Pradesh Governor, the organisations sought institutional safeguards for Kullu’s centuries-old Dev parampara (divine tradition). The 10-point charter demanded:
- Action against Tehsildar Hari Singh for alleged repeated disrespect toward local deities.
- Posting of culturally sensitive officers during Kullu Dussehra.
- Preservation of Dussehra’s spiritual nature, prioritising Dev Shivirs over commercial setups.
- Ban on temple commercialisation and tourist exploitation.
- Zero tolerance for cow slaughter and trafficking.
- Preference to traditional traders during the festival.
- Autonomy for Hindu temples from direct state control.
- Reconstruction of damaged temples hit by natural calamities.
- Administrative safeguards to prevent future incidents of deity insult.
- Protection of the festival’s sanctity and traditional essence.
The memorandum, signed by Aman Sood, Umesh Sharma, Khushhal Siddh, Vaibhav Dhai Ram and Rekha Guleria, described the matter as “not merely administrative but emotional,” arguing that it touches “the cultural soul of Devbhoomi.”
Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravish confirmed receiving the memorandum and assured that the administration would examine the concerns “in a lawful and sensitive manner.” Officials, however, declined to comment on the demand for the Tehsildar’s removal.
Local observers said the controversy has grown beyond its origins. “The Tehsildar–Rahul dispute has now become a symbolic clash between faith and authority,” said a senior journalist based in Kullu. “It reflects a deeper friction between governance and the cultural sentiments of the valley.”
