Govt appeal to end strike

BHUBANESWAR:  The State Government on Tuesday requested the agitating lawyers to call off their strike in the larger interest of people. Speaking on the lawyers’ agitation for the first time, Law Minister Pratap Jena said the State Government is concerned over the deadlock arising out of the strike and is taking adequate measures in this regard.

“Political parties, which are adding fuel to the issue, should remember that two persons have been arrested and four police personnel in connection with the lawyers’ clash at the High Court on Saturday,” Jena said. “As the matter is sub-judice, the State Government will take necessary steps as per the directions of High Court. Lawyers should call off their strike in the larger interest of people as justice delivery is being delayed,” he said.

Meanwhile, former minister and BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan criticised the State Government for its failure to resolve the ongoing strike even after two months. Alleging that there is a constitutional crisis because of the silence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the matter, Harichandan said thousands of undertrial prisoners are languishing in jails because of the Government’s inaction on the issue.