Dharchula: Dharchula Bacho Samiti -- an umbrella organisation comprising Anwal community, Rang Kalyan Sansthan, Rang Youth Forum, Diling Darma Seva Samiti, Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Sangathan and a few other local bodies -- is on a protest demanding the shifting of the 'inner line' from Chhiyalekh near China Border to Jauljibi. Outsiders are not allowed to go beyond the inner line without special permit.The protesters argued that since Chhiyalekh is at a distance of 60 km from Dharchula town, the town has become a hub of activities of suspicious elements who could pose a security threat to the country. "Dharchula tehsil starts from Jauljabi. Before 1998, the whole tehsil was inside the 'inner line' and outsiders, other than locals, needed special permits to go to Dharchula and had no right to stay there permanently," said Dinesh Chala, vice-president of Dharchula Bacho Samiti."Borders of Dharchula tehsil touches China and Nepal, and the tehsil is sensitive from the security point of view. Due to presence of outsiders here, the crime rate has increased, and the area has lost its peace and tranquility. Local people want the inner line shifted to Jauljibi," said Chala."If the government does not fulfill our demand, we will block the suspension bridge at Jauljibi on February 24," said Berendra Nabiyal, a member of Dharchula Bacho Samiti.The inner line was shifted to Chhiyalekh in 1998 on the plea that the move would lead to increase in tourism activities in border areas of the Himalayan region.

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