Pioneer News Service
Giridih
Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand, Babulal Marandi, has condemned alleged attacks on students by JMM workers in several districts, calling the incidents an “attack on democracy.” Addressing a press conference in Giridih, Marandi demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible.
Marandi alleged that students were beaten with sticks and chased at Jhanda Maidan in Giridih, while similar incidents were reported in Hazaribagh, Ranchi and Ramgarh. He claimed that even a girl was allegedly assaulted in Ranchi. He also criticised remarks reportedly made by a JMM leader in Ramgarh threatening violence against those who burn the Chief Minister’s effigy.
The BJP leader said peaceful protests are a constitutional right and alleged that the state government had been attempting to suppress the students’ movement. He claimed the violence on August 21 was preceded by developments in the state Cabinet and accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government of misleading protesting students.
Marandi also questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s silence over the alleged incidents, saying those who support peaceful protests should speak out against violence targeting students.
He called for a CBI investigation, arguing that it would establish responsibility and ensure that both the guilty and innocent are dealt with appropriately. Marandi also referred to an alleged WhatsApp message calling JMM workers to an “emergency” meeting at the party office in Giridih. He demanded an inquiry into who issued the message, why the gathering was organised and whether the assembled crowd was used against the protesting students.
Marandi warned that the BJP would not tolerate attempts to suppress constitutional rights through force and said the party would take the movement forward democratically if necessary. He urged the government and administration to register cases against all those found responsible and make immediate arrests.
