Dehradun, Oct. 12 -- More than 13,000 acres of government land in Uttarakhand have been cleared of encroachment, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Sunday, highlighting the state government's efforts to protect public land while preserving Uttarakhand's cultural identity. Dhami, who was speaking after inaugurating the 50th Siddhapeeth Shri Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Narendra Nagar, also highlighted the Uniform Civil Code, robust land laws, anti-conversion and anti-riot laws and the anti-cheating law as measures taken by the government. Referring to Operation Kalnemi and action against illegal madrasas, he said more than 35,000 youths had been appointed to government services through transparent recruitment processes. The chief minister inaugurated the golden jubilee edition of the nine-day fair by hoisting the flag on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri. He viewed cultural tableaux, inaugurated the development exhibition and inspected departmental stalls. He also paid tribute to martyrs by laying wreaths at their statues and the Freedom Struggle Martyrs' Memorial before offering prayers and lighting a lamp before the image of Goddess Kunjapuri. Dhami said the state government was "committed to preserving Uttarakhand's cultural identity alongside development". He said the 50th Shri Kunjapuri Fair symbolised folk faith, cultural heritage and glorious traditions, and that such events connected the younger generation with its culture while promoting trade and tourism. He said cultural and religious heritage was being nurtured under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing development works at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the Kedarnath-Badrinath shrines. Dhami said curbing hill migration and creating local employment opportunities for young people were among the government's top priorities. "Local products are being connected with markets within the country and abroad through initiatives such as One District-Two Products and House of Himalayas. Sales under the House of Himalayas brand have crossed Rs.6 crore", he said. The state has recorded a 44% increase in reverse migration, he added. The state-level fair is being held from October 11 to 19....