Key Facts
On Friday, July 10, 2026, residents of 16 panchayats in Chamba district staged a massive protest against the proposed merger of Government College Bhalei with Chamba College. The protest turned into a four-and-a-half-hour road blockade on the Sundla-Khairi road, disrupting traffic for hours.
Details of the Protest
Around 9:30 AM, nearly 350 people including panchayat representatives, parents, and villagers gathered at Bhalei on the Sundla-Khairi road. Women participated in large numbers. The protesters blocked the road, demanding that the merger be called off and that vacant teaching posts be filled. The college has been running with only one Hindi lecturer for the past four years, severely affecting education.
The blockade caused long queues of vehicles on both sides. However, protesters allowed ambulances, private emergency vehicles, and LPG cylinder carriers to pass through.
Administration's Intervention
Upon receiving information, the Naib Tehsildar and police reached the spot at 10:30 AM. Later, Tehsildar and SDM Saluni Chandravir arrived around 11:00 AM. They listened to the protesters' demands and assured them that a committee would be formed and their grievances would be presented to the government. Based on this assurance, the protesters lifted the blockade at around 2:00 PM.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
Bhalei College serves about 350 students from 16 panchayats including Bhalei, Brangal, Wangal, Aura, Simani, Hadla, Bhunad, Naddal, Thakrimatti, Ather, Karwal, Chandi, Ladog, Chaklu, Chauhra, and Sherpur. A majority of the students are girls. The merger would force these students to travel to Chamba, which is far and inconvenient. The protesters have vowed to continue their struggle if their demands are not met.
FAQ
- Why did the protest happen at Bhalei College? The protest was against the government's decision to merge Bhalei College with Chamba College. Locals fear loss of educational access and demand filling of vacant teaching posts.
- How long did the road blockade last? The blockade on Sundla-Khairi road started at 9:30 AM and was lifted around 2:00 PM, lasting about four and a half hours.
- What were the main demands of the protesters? Protesters demanded that the merger be cancelled and that all vacant lecturer positions at Bhalei College be filled immediately.
- What was the administration's response? SDM Saluni and Tehsildar assured the protesters that their demands would be communicated to the government, after which the blockade was lifted.