Uttaranchal top cop’s sacrifice goes unsung

Leaders of all political parties in Uttaranchal have been heaping laurels and largesse on those who laid down their lives during the statehood movement. But little has been done for the family of a police official who died in mob violence.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Mussoorie) Umakant Tripathi was killed while controlling a violent mob on September 2, 1994. Seven protestors too had lost their lives in the incident. Tripathi’s widow, Yashoda, is disappointed with the attitude of the state government. Uttaranchal has had two governments and three chief ministers since its inception in November 2000.

‘‘My husband died while performing his duty. There is no mention of his sacrifice,’’ she complained.

Although she has received Rs 10 lakh as compensation and pension of her husband, it was difficult for her to bring up her two sons in the last nine years, she said. ‘‘Those who got killed in the statehood movement are treated as martyrs but what was the fault of my husband?’’ she asked.