Chaos Erupts at Territorial Army Recruitment Rally in Pithoragarh Due to Sudden Candidate Influx

A Territorial Army recruitment rally in Pithoragarh descended into chaos when a large number of youths from neighbouring states arrived unexpectedly. This surge was due to the abrupt cancellation of a recruitment event in Danapur, Bihar, as reported by the Pithoragarh district administration. District Magistrate Vinod Goswami stated that the lack of communication from the Army about the Danapur cancellation left them unprepared for the influx.

Recruitment Rally Chaos

Goswami explained that if they had been informed earlier about the Danapur cancellation, the inconvenience faced by candidates could have been avoided. The sudden cancellation and absence of new dates redirected many candidates from Uttar Pradesh to Pithoragarh, causing disorder. Videos on social media showed candidates attempting to enter by climbing gates, which eventually collapsed under pressure.

Police resorted to lathicharge to control the situation, and unverified reports suggested two youths were injured. "The situation in the district is under total control now," Goswami assured. The Territorial Army recruitment in Pithoragarh was scheduled between November 12 and 24 for candidates from various states.

Candidate Influx and Arrangements

By Thursday, approximately 25,000 candidates had arrived in Pithoragarh, with 18,000 completing their recruitment process by noon. Goswami mentioned a meeting with Colonel Uttam Kumar Singh of the Territorial Army, who informed him about 113 posts for Uttarakhand and 411 for other states. Colonel Singh anticipated a significant turnout on dates set for Uttarakhand candidates.

The administration prepared adequately for Uttarakhand's dates but was caught off guard by candidates from other states after Danapur's cancellation. The Territorial Army cancelled the rally on November 17 and informed Pithoragarh officials via letter on November 18. However, Goswami alleged that no phone call or email was made to notify him.

Efforts to Manage the Situation

Candidates initially headed to Danapur reached Tanakpur on November 18 and 19 to participate in Pithoragarh's recruitment. From November 12 to 17, over 8,274 candidates from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh attended without issues. However, after Danapur's cancellation, many from Uttar Pradesh also flocked to Pithoragarh.

Goswami noted that around 12,000 candidates had arrived by nightfall on November 19. The district administration worked tirelessly to provide security, drinking water, health services, and food to manage this unexpected rush. Following administrative intervention, Danapur's dates were rescheduled from November 26 to December 1.