Jharkhand Assembly Faces Chaos Over Giridih Violence, Question Hour Suspended
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Synopsis
The Jharkhand Assembly experienced significant turmoil on the 12th day of its Budget session, with BJP MLAs protesting violence during Holi in Giridih. The opposition's actions resulted in the adjournment of the Question Hour, highlighting concerns over law and order in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition protests in Jharkhand Assembly.
- Allegations of police inaction during Giridih violence.
- Call for discussion on law and order issues.
- Minister urges against politicization of the incident.
- Eyewitness accounts of the violence during Holi.
Ranchi, March 18 (NationPress) The 12th day of the Budget session in the Jharkhand Assembly saw significant disruption on Tuesday as BJP MLAs staged a protest concerning the recent violence that occurred during Holi in Giridih.
The opposition's actions led to the suspension of the Question Hour, as they demanded an in-depth discussion regarding the incident and the overall law and order situation in the state.
At the onset of the session, the Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, brought the issue to light, claiming that law enforcement had obstructed a group of youths celebrating Holi in Ghorthamba, located in the Dhanwar police station area, from accessing a road. "This allegedly resulted in an assault by another faction armed with petrol bombs, bottles, and stones near a sacred site. Numerous shops and vehicles were set ablaze amid the turmoil, while the police reportedly stood by doing nothing," he stated.
Marandi contended that the violence appeared premeditated and called for an urgent debate regarding the state's law and order status.
In reaction, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radha Krishna Kishore promised that the issue would be addressed during the discussions surrounding the Home Department's grant demands. He urged members to refrain from politicizing the episode.
Pradeep Yadav, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, stressed the importance of recognizing instances where Hindus and Muslims celebrated Holi in unison, fostering peace throughout the state and the nation.
Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu defended the government’s actions, asserting that they exercised restraint and criticized the one-sided narrative regarding the events. Nevertheless, BJP MLAs amplified their protests, invading the well of the House and insisting on an immediate discussion, which led Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato to adjourn the session.
Reports indicate that the turmoil in Giridih erupted on Holi when certain local residents opposed the Holi procession traversing through their locality, igniting a heated dispute that rapidly escalated into violence.
Both factions engaged in furious stone-pelting, prompting an immediate police response.
According to reports, the Holi procession proceeded traditionally until it reached Ghodthamba Chowk. However, tensions escalated as it neared the mosque street, triggering a confrontation that quickly turned violent.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the clash persisted for about an hour before police reinforcements successfully dispersed the rioters.
