Why is Karni Sena Protesting Against Police Actions in Harda?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 Kshatriya community members protested in Bhopal.
- Allegations of police excesses in Harda sparked the protest.
- The protesters demand accountability from the Madhya Pradesh government.
- Indal Singh Rana warns of escalating tensions if demands are unmet.
- High-level inquiry into police actions sought by Karni Sena.
Bhopal, Nov 15 (NationPress) Over 200 members from the Kshatriya community, united under the Karni Sena banner, organized a protest on Saturday, claiming that the Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has not delivered on several significant promises made to them and has exhibited police excesses against their community in Harda.
As per official reports, hundreds of Karni Sena supporters gathered in Bhopal to voice their discontent with the state government.
They later progressed towards the Chief Minister's residence.
In anticipation of the Karni Sena gathering, police enforced heavy security measures and halted the procession midway.
Chief Minister Yadav was attending the Gaurav Janjatiya Divas in Alirajpur and Jabalpur on Saturday, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Madhya Pradesh Karni Sena President, Indal Singh Rana, stated in a media briefing that this protest marks the commencement of a larger agitation, cautioning that failure to address their demands would heighten tensions.
During the demonstration, the Karni Sena called for a high-level investigation into the Harda incident, strict disciplinary actions against the implicated police personnel, an increase in economically weaker section reservation from 10% to 20%, and more straightforward certification processes.
On July 13, police reportedly carried out a lathi charge during a Karni Sena protest that sought the custody of an individual accused of fraud in a diamond-related case in Harda.
Chief Minister Yadav, who was abroad seeking investments for the state, expressed his dissatisfaction and ordered a high-level inquiry into the events.
Videos depicting the 'lathi charge' by police at a girl's hostel and various residences in Harda have ignited political controversy.
Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, who belongs to the Kshatriya community, visited Harda and addressed a press conference.