Former soldiers show resentment at alleged illegal religious structures and encroachments in the Braj region
NEW DELHI — Tension prevailed in parts of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh after a group of former soldiers, gathered under the banner of a veterans’ organisation, was stopped by police during a protest march against alleged encroachments and illegal religious structures in the Braj region of the state.
The protest was organised by members of a veterans’ group who claimed they were marching to submit a memorandum to the office of the Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya regarding issues they believe were affecting the cultural and land integrity of the region.
According to reports, the former soldiers had assembled in large numbers on Wednesday under the banner of a retired defence personnel council, demanding action against alleged illegal constructions and encroachments in different parts of Mathura.
Police officials stopped the group before it could proceed to meet the state leadership, which led to a heated exchange between the protesters and security personnel. The situation briefly turned tense as slogans were raised and the crowd expressed anger over being prevented from moving forward.
Protesters claimed that they were not allowed to meet government representatives despite repeated attempts, and alleged that police behaviour was disrespectful towards retired defence personnel.
One of the protesters said, “We have served on the borders of the country. We are not afraid of obstacles. If the land of Braj is being encroached upon, we will continue to raise our voice within the legal framework.”
The group alleged that several areas in Mathura were witnessing unauthorised constructions, including what they described as illegal shrines and encroachments on government land. They claimed that local administration had failed to take effective action.
However, authorities maintained that the situation was brought under control and that the protesters were stopped to maintain law and order.
The veterans’ group submitted a memorandum listing several demands. These included action against alleged illegal religious structures, removal of encroachments from road areas, and stricter enforcement of land laws in the region.
They also raised broader concerns related to social issues, including demands for restrictions on religious conversions, action against alleged unlawful activities, and equal treatment of all groups by the administration.
The protestors further demanded respect and recognition for former soldiers, stating that those who served the country should not face what they called humiliation at the hands of the police.
A spokesperson for the group said, “We defended the country when required. Today, when we raise concerns about our own region, we are stopped and pushed back. This is unacceptable.”
The group warned that if their demands were not addressed, they would escalate their agitation across Uttar Pradesh in the coming days.
Locals had mixed reactions to the incident. Some supported the veterans’ right to protest, while others expressed concern over rising tensions linked to land and religious disputes in sensitive areas.
A resident of Mathura said, “There should be dialogue and legal process. Road protests and confrontation only increase tension in the city.”
The incident highlights continuing disputes in parts of Uttar Pradesh where questions of land use, religious structures and administrative action often lead to public protests and political debate.
At the time of reporting, there was no official statement confirming any arrests. Police sources said that the situation remained under control after the group was dispersed peacefully.
The matter is expected to be discussed further as local authorities assess the demands raised by the protesters and review the law and order situation in the region.
