Haridwar / Dehradun: Police in Uttarakhand said on Wednesday they would investigate alleged speeches against religious minorities by members of right-wing organizations during the three-day Dharma Sansad held from December 17-19 in Haridwar.

The move comes after video clips of the speeches were circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from several corners. HT was unable to independently verify the authenticity of these videos.

Among the speeches reportedly delivered at the event, which was held from December 17 to 19, one participant said he wanted to become Nathuram Godse and shoot then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Another participant warned the Haridwar administration that it would vandalize hotels and commercial establishments where Christmas celebrations take place. Another speaker could be heard targeting religious minorities.

Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar said on Wednesday: “So far, the police have not received any complaints against the speeches made by participants in the event. However, the police would examine them and take action according to the law. ”

One of the seers of the event could have been seen making reprehensible statements against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He cited a statement made by Singh in parliament, which however could not be heard in the video.

He then said, “Ye humare pradhan mantri sahab sansad me bole the. Aur maine jab ye padha na paper me to hua mann me ki kaash mai bhi saansad hota aur haath me revolver hota, aur mai Nathuram Godse ho jata. Aur apni 6 ki 6 goliyan Manmohan Singh ki chaati me laga deta. (This was said by our Prime Minister in Parliament. And when I read this in the newspaper, I just wished that if I had been an MP there with a gun, then I would have become Nathuram Godse and I would have put the six bullets in him inside the Parliament).

During the same event, some seers also made reprehensible statements against religious minorities.

One was targeting a minority community in particular, claiming that swords were not enough to kill them and that people needed much better weapons.

Supporting the call to disrupt the Christmas celebrations, Shri Akhand Parshuram Akhada has also mobilized and threatened to protest if hotels and restaurants continue with their celebration plans.

“Sanatan Dharma regards Ganga as a deity. Hindus should make sure to observe and promote Sanatan Dharma and not other religions. We oppose such celebrations in a non-violent manner,” said the founder of akhada, Adheer Kaushik.

Another outfit, Kali Sena, also warned of legal action against establishments that celebrated Christmas. “Haridwar is a religious city where celebrations of other religions are not in order. We seek cooperation, otherwise we will file a complaint in police stations against such hotel owners, ”said Vikas Chauhan, President of Kali Sena State.

Former chief minister and national secretary general of Congress Harish Rawat called the speeches “highly condemnable and reprehensible”.

“It is shocking and hurtful that someone could use such words against a man like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is the epitome of sobriety and a meticulous Gandhian. He may never have said anything that hurts anyone else. Despite that, if anyone thinks about killing him, then it’s up to the locals to think about where we are headed? Said Rawat.

He added: “More hurtful was the fact that such speeches were made near Maa Ganga who might wonder how anyone can say something so reprehensible against others.

The BJP, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the seers’ statement against former Prime Minister Singh and minorities.

Party State Vice Chairman Devendra Bhasin said: “The BJP has nothing to do with the statements made by the participants in the event. However, the party never supports violence against anyone.

Haridwar police assured hotel and restaurant owners to maintain law and order in the city during Christmas. “The police will ensure that law and order are maintained with adequate security so that peaceful Christmas celebrations can take place here,” said SP (town) Swatantra Kumar.