Clashes and Police Action Outside Secretariat in Shimla During Swarna Samaj Nyaya Yatra Protest Protesters and police clashed outside the state secretariat in Shimla as the 600-kilometre Swarna Samaj Ashwamedha Nyaya Yatra reached the city, prompting police to use mild force and water cannons. The 600-kilometre-long Swarna Samaj Ashwamedha Nyaya Yatra, organized under the banner of Rashtriya Devbhumi Party, reached Shimla on Wednesday, triggering tense confrontations outside the state secretariat. Demonstrators demanding a rollback of new UGC regulations clashed with police personnel near the main entrance of the secretariat. To control the swelling crowd, police resorted to a mild use of force and water cannons, creating a brief period of high tension in the area. Protesters climbed the gates of the secretariat, raised slogans against the central government, and submitted a memorandum detailing their demands. The March from Manali Led by party president Rumit Singh Thakur, a large group of protesters took out a foot march starting from Shimla ISBT and heading towards the Chief Minister's office located at the state secretariat. Armed with banners and flags, the participants shouted slogans demanding the withdrawal of controversial UGC provisions. They issued a warning that failure to act on their demands would lead to a massive escalation of the agitation, culminating in a major protest planned in Delhi on January 10. Participation from Multiple States The demonstration drew participants not only from Himachal Pradesh but also from Rajasthan, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and several other regions. Protestors marched with flags and banners, persistently chanting slogans for a UGC rollback. They argued that the new regulatory provisions threaten to undermine the academic interests and educational futures of general category students. Consequently, they urged the central government to review and rescind these rules while simultaneously pressing for the enactment of a General Category Commission Act and a simplification of benefits for the economically weaker section. Statements from Mahipal Singh Makrana Addressing the gathering during the protest, Karni Sena leader Mahipal Singh Makrana asserted that the movement will continue unabated until all demands are met. He claimed that the march from Manali successfully united community members across Rajasthan, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Makrana alleged that the new UGC norms create an apprehension of discrimination against general category students within educational institutions, declaring that the community will never accept provisions that infringe upon student rights. Criticism of the Central Government and Opposition Makrana trained his guns on both the central administration and opposition political parties, stating that when authorities implement decisions deemed unjust by society, the opposition has a duty to raise the issue effectively. He accused political parties of failing to show the expected response to the grievances of the upper castes. He urged the Prime Minister and other political leaders to clarify their stance on the matter, emphasizing that the future of students and community rights should be treated with utmost seriousness by the political class. Preparation for a Major Rally on January 10 Reiterating their resolve, the protestors announced that if the government fails to take positive steps regarding their demands, a large-scale agitation will be staged in Delhi on January 10. Makrana appealed to the Himachal government and the Governor to accept their memorandum and advance the related grievances. Throughout the demonstration, core issues concerning general category rights, UGC guidelines, and student futures remained at the forefront of the discussions. What this means for you The protests in Shimla and the broader agitation surrounding UGC norms carry practical implications for students, commuters, and administrative functioning. • Across India: Potential revisions to UGC guidelines or discussions around general category welfare could influence admission criteria and academic opportunities for students nationwide. Ongoing political agitation and upcoming rallies may lead to localized transport disruptions and heightened security measures. • In Shimla: Heavy deployment of security personnel around the state secretariat can cause traffic diversions and delays for local commuters and office-goers. The local administration has stepped up vigilance to manage movement around key government installations. Why this happened The confrontation erupted when the 600-kilometre Nyaya Yatra organized by the Rashtriya Devbhumi Party reached the state secretariat in Shimla, where participants demonstrated against revised UGC norms. The friction was fueled by deep apprehensions that the new regulations could disadvantage general category students in educational institutions. • Yatra Conclusion: The Ashwamedha Nyaya Yatra commenced in Manali and concluded in Shimla, serving as a mobilizing platform for participants arriving from multiple states. • Policy Grievances: Protesters demanded the immediate rollback of controversial UGC provisions and the establishment of a general category commission act. • Perceived Apathy: Organizers alleged a lack of adequate political response from both the central administration and opposition parties regarding upper-caste concerns. Questions & Answers 1. Where did the Nyaya Yatra start and conclude? The Nyaya Yatra started from Manali and concluded in Shimla after traversing multiple states. 2. What was the main reason for the protest in Shimla? Protesters were demanding a rollback of new UGC provisions and the implementation of a general category commission act. 3. Who led the Nyaya Yatra? The march was led by Rashtriya Devbhumi Party president Rumit Singh Thakur. 4. What is the next step planned by the agitators? The protesters have announced plans for a large-scale agitation in Delhi on January 10. 5. Which states participated in the demonstration? People from Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir participated in the protest. https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/shimla-men-pradarshana-ke-daurana-hngama-ugc-niyamon-ke-virodha-men-sachivalaya-ke-bahara-lathicharja-aura-vatara-kainana-ka-istem-50562 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.