In a dramatic series of events, over 20,000 candidates gathered in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, for a Territorial Army recruitment drive, leading to a chaotic stampede and multiple injuries. The recruitment initiative, which began on November 20, aims to fill a mere 133 positions, raising questions about the feasibility of accommodating such a vast number of aspirants in the small hill town.
Candidates traveled from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, to participate but faced numerous challenges, including a lack of accommodation. Many were forced to spend the night on roads and footpaths, while transportation issues added to their struggles. Reports indicated that some candidates paid exorbitant fares of up to ₹10,000 for taxi rides to reach Pithoragarh. “The taxi operators were demanding Rs 10,000 for 10 passengers,” recounted Tushar Saini, an Army aspirant, emphasizing the desperate conditions faced by many.
Tensions escalated when a large crowd attempted to rush the recruitment venue, which resulted in a stampede. In an attempt to regain control, police had to resort to lathi-charges, causing injuries among the candidates. Two individuals, including a 17-year-old boy, sustained severe injuries and were subsequently hospitalized, although they were later discharged after receiving treatment.
Pithoragarh Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav reported that many of the candidates tried to force their way into the venue, resulting in “slight injuries” for some. The police and administrative teams acted swiftly to manage the overwhelming situation. Yadav also advised the public to be cautious and not to react to rumors or provocations regarding the event.
The widespread turnout was partly attributed to the postponement of a similar recruitment event in Danapur, Bihar, which prompted many hopefuls from Uttar Pradesh to seek opportunities in Uttarakhand instead. In response to the ensuing crisis, District Magistrate Vinod Giri Goswami assured the public that accommodations had been arranged in 30 schools and food distribution was set up at 18 locations. To address transportation concerns, over 100 Uttarakhand Roadway buses and 250 taxis were mobilized.
Despite these measures, the recruitment drive descended into chaos, with authorities anticipating an additional 10,000 to 12,000 candidates arriving in the following days for the ongoing recruitment process. The significance of the Territorial Army, which has its roots in British colonial history, highlights its role as a reserve force comprised of civilians trained for military duties. The situation in Pithoragarh reflects broader issues regarding recruitment logistics and the authority’s ability to manage overwhelming public interest in military service.
