Synopsis
On March 26, the Jharkhand Assembly erupted in protest regarding a stone-pelting incident during the Mangala procession in Hazaribagh. BJP MLAs demanded accountability and questioned the government's handling of law and order, while the administration assured action against the culprits.Key Takeaways
- Opposition protests against Hazaribagh incident.
- BJP demands government accountability for riots.
- Calls for enhanced security during public events.
- Government promises action against offenders.
- Political tensions rise in Jharkhand Assembly.
Ranchi, March 26 (NationPress) The Jharkhand Assembly experienced a significant uproar on Wednesday regarding the stone-pelting incident that took place during a 'Mangala procession' on Tuesday night, prior to Ram Navami in Hazaribagh.
As the proceedings commenced on the 19th day of the Budget Session, BJP MLAs rushed into the Well of the House, chanting slogans and demanding strict measures against those accountable for the stone-pelting.
Before the session even began, Hazaribagh BJP MLA Pradip Prasad protested with a placard denouncing the incident.
Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi challenged the government, questioning, "Why do riots occur only during Hindu festivals?"
He accused the administration of protecting offenders and asserted that the government had lost grip over law and order in the state.
Marandi also pressed for the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive locales and the utilization of drones during festivals and processions.
He requested the government to bolster security along procession routes and ensure adequate street lighting to aid in identifying offenders.
Despite Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato's requests to uphold order, BJP MLAs persisted in their protest.
Mahato reminded the Opposition that the Budget Session was approaching its conclusion, with only two days left, and urged them to assist in facilitating smooth proceedings.
In response to the MLAs' accusations, Parliamentary Affairs and Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore assured the assembly that the government was aware of the Hazaribagh incident and that decisive action was being taken against the perpetrators.
He stressed that the administration was dedicated to preserving communal harmony in the state.
Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey accused the Opposition of politically instigating violence to create a basis for implementing President's Rule in Jharkhand. She claimed that the BJP was fostering unrest for political advantage.
Several individuals were injured in the stone pelting after two groups clashed during a Mangala procession in Hazaribagh on Tuesday night.
The clash reportedly began due to a disagreement over a song played during the procession.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that an argument between members of the two factions quickly escalated, leading to stone pelting from both sides. Numerous individuals sustained injuries amid the turmoil.
Police discharged four to five rounds into the air and deployed tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
