UP PAC Revolt, 1973 : How Spirituality Prevailed in Gorakhpur
Half a century ago in February 1973 ,my father in law Shri PC Saxena then DM.Gorakhpur ( who narrated this story) was faced with a law and order situation in the unprecedented PAC Revolt.PAC Jawans had fitted mortar and LMG guns on the corners of the rooftops of their barracks taking positions to fire and show their anger for non fulfillment of their demands for improving their service conditions.
After consultations with Dist.S P Awasthy ,Shri Saxena telephoned late at night, Mahant Shri Avaidya Nath of Gorakhnath Peeth and MP urging him to come quickly appeal to rebel to PAC Jawans to come down from. roof top and hold negotiations for their demands. Shri Saxena pleaded that Mahantji's spiritual persona would make the desired impact on Jawans.
Mahantji assessed the situation and came post haste in Government jeep to accompany DM and SP to PAC quarters. He appealed on mike in his spiritual tone and Jawans responded by coming down in the inside verandah of the Gate .
District Administration offices received their memorandum of demands and assured possible action at their level and also recommend action to State Government on other issues.
Thus attempt at PAC revolt at Gorakhpur was foiled by a spiritual person in Mahant Avaidya Nath whereas in Agra,Bareilly and Meerut 40 people were killed in suppressing the PAC revolt .
My wife , Archana who was in Gorakhpur endorses the facts and the tension felt in that crucial night
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