Chamoli district administration on Tuesday arrested Uma Bharati, president of the Bharatiya Janshakti Party and former Madhya Pradesh CM, and foiled her proposed march to Tibet border.

Uma Bharati, who had announced a march to Tibet to express solidarity with the Tibetan people, on Tuesday held a rally at Joshimath. Addressing party workers, she lashed out at the foreign policy of the present United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and earlier National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments. She alleged that while China has claimed Arunachal Pradesh as its part, the Indian government has been playing into the hands of the Chinese. She expressed her strong resolve to proceed to the Tibet border.

After her rally, Uma Bharati led more than 20 vehicles towards Niti valley. However, Chamoli district administration had made elaborate arrangements to stop her and her supporters from moving ahead.

The police, civil and central intelligence agencies, stopped her cavalcade at Jumma in Niti valley, 40 kms from Joshimath. She was arrested along with nearly 100 of her supporters and sent back to Joshimath, the district headquarter.

Chamoli district authorities have made it clear that no one would be allowed to move into the inner line areas on the Indo-Tibetan border. “Movement in the areas is restricted and only those with valid proper documents are allowed in the area,” said District Magistrate Chamoli DS Garbayal.