United Opposition parties have unanimously condemned lathicharge and police action taken against protestors across the State who were supporting the nationwide bandh call given by tribal and dalit organisations on Monday.
Both main parties in Opposition JMM and Congress were of the view that the call given against the Supreme Court a decision to rectify the SC/ST (prevention) of Atrocities Act was genuine.
“They were not wrong in demanding to rollback the decision of the Court and also inaction since then by the BJP-led Government at the Center. But the Government here went on crushing the agitation with brutal police force. Even girls of Women’s College in Ranchi were not spared who were beaten-up and misbehaved,” said JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya.
He went on alleging the State Government for crushing those belonging to the socially marginalised section. “The BJP-led Government has decided to burry the tribal, dalits and moolvasi of the State. Most of the people in the State have been facing the action. Today’s action also confirms that. We have demanded from the Union Home Minister to lodge a probe into the brutal police action,” said the leader.
Congress senior leader and former Union Minister Subodh Kant Sahay also condemned the police action taken across the State to deal with the protestors.
“There was no point going all out against the people belonging to dalit and adivasi organisations. Their demands were genuine and the administration should have handled the situation in better manner. The Congress demands probe into the police action and book those accountable for the harsh action,” said Sahay addressing a press conference.
JVM supremo Babulal Marandi also critised the police action and arrest being made in different parts of the State. “The Government used its machinery to suppress democratic voice and rights given to the people. We have been terming the Government undemocratic by its nature and today’s action proves that right,” said Marandi.
The Left parties, mainly CPM, termed the police action a sign of castist mentality. “With the action, the Government has brought out its manuvadi face out in the open. Thousands of students protesting against the decision have been detained all over the State. Police went on hurling tear gas shells and lathi charged to target the peaceful protestors. The party condemns the act,” reads a party official release.