Dehradun, Sept. 8 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that more than 9,000 acres of government land across Uttarakhand has been freed from illegal occupation, asserting that preserving the demography of "Devbhoomi" remains a key priority of his government. Dhami made the remarks while addressing the "Jain Samaj Sammelan" organised at Shri Digambar Jain Panchayati Mandir in Dehradun. Seeking blessings from Jain religious leaders at the gathering, he said the government is committed to strengthening law and order, protecting cultural identity and ensuring all-round development. "Preserving the demography of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is our foremost priority. For this purpose, strict anti-conversion and anti-riot laws have been implemented. We have successfully freed over 9,000 acres of government land from encroachment," Dhami said. In May this year, when the amended land law was implemented in the state, Dhami had said, it is a preventive measure against demographic shifts in the region. "The implementation of this strict land law will curb attempts to alter the state's demographic composition... this crucial legislation, will reinforce Uttarakhand's cultural and social identity," The amended land law titled Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950) (Amendment) Act, 2025 was passed in the Uttarakhand legislative assembly in February this year. The amended laws has strict provisions including a ban on the sale of agriculture and horticulture land in the state except for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts and all District Magistrates will have to regularly submit reports related to land purchase to the State Revenue Council and the state government. Dhami added that the state government has taken several initiatives to improve governance and transparency. "Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code. After bringing in the anti-copying law, more than 25,000 youth have been able to secure government jobs on merit," Dhami said. At the programme, the chief minister also paid tributes to Acharya Saurabh Sagar Muni Ji Maharaj, describing his life as a symbol of restraint, sacrifice and non-violence. "The Saurabhanchal Tirtha and Jeevan Asha Hospital are shining examples of his visionary leadership and compassion, which continue to guide society on the path of religion and service," he said. Dhami further praised the Jain community for upholding the principles of non-violence, unity and social organisation. "Jainism has given the world the message that non-violence is the true religion of courage. The Jain community has always presented a unique example of not just non-violence but also collective strength and harmony," he said....