Activists express dismay over ‘denial of opportunity to meet Governor’

Dehradun: Several activists expressed deep anguish over being denied permission to meet Uttarakhand Governor, despite making repeated attempts in connection with the Rishikesh resort murder case of a 19-year-old receptionist."We wish to submit a memorandum to the President of India through the proper channel, which is via the Governor of our state. We sought an appointment through all official means; however, all our efforts were unsuccessful. Thrice through telephonic conversations with their staff, twice via official emails since Feb 11, but to no avail," said Kamla Pant, president, Uttarakhand Mahila Manch.Joint director (information), Nitin Upadhyay, of the Lok Bhawan said, "The application was to submit a memorandum to the President through the Governor. However, there is an already established procedure for submitting such memoranda, which is done through the district magistrate or appropriate authorities."Meanwhile, Pant added, "In our continued pursuit of justice for the 19-year-old, we will hold a disciplined and peaceful march probably on Feb 26. The march will include former defence personnel, women, youth and all those who wish to participate."She said the protest rally will commence from Gandhi Park and head to Lok Bhawan, and five representatives will try to meet the Governor, if allowed.