No Ravana effigy burning at Sidhu Kanhu ground

Ramgarh: Burning of ceremonial Ravana effigy in Ramgarh district will only be held at one place instead of two as the district administration has barred using Sidhu Kanhu ground for the purpose this time.
Sarvajanik Dussehra Samiti has been organising burning of Ravana’s effigy for around a decade at this venue. The district administration, however, has denied permission citing construction of a sports stadium here of late, upsetting the organisers. At Ramgarh town Cantonment Board ground, effigy burning will take place.
Ramgarh SDO, Md Javed Hussain, said, “Sidhu-Kanhu ground is being developed as a stadium. So, the administration has not given permission as it could be risky for a crowd to gather at a construction site. We have suggested organisers to suggest another venue, which they haven’t so far.”
An official of the organising committee said it was too late not to plan an alternate venue. Sources said that a week back the organisers decided to erect 80ft Ravana’s effigy and sought permission from the administration.
Ajsu-P condemned the administration’s move. Manoj Kumar Mahto, Ajsu-P leader and vice-chairman of Ramgarh Municipal Council, said, “The district administration’s move has hurt the sentiments of Hindus.”
Last year, a dispute occurred owing to Ravana’s effigy burning at Sidhu-Kanhu ground as the organisers tried to conduct the programme despite ban due to Covid-19.
Two policemen suffered injuries during clash with the locals on October 16, 2021 at Barkipona village and an elderly civilian died when security forces were conducting raids in local villages to nab the culprits.