Ranchi, Sept 3: An INDIA bloc delegation on Thursday met Jharkhand Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and demanded strict action within 48 hours against elements allegedly using the ongoing student movement as a cover to create disorder and disturb law and order.
The delegation, comprising leaders of the JMM, Congress and RJD, said the alliance fully supports the democratic rights and genuine grievances of students, but stressed that disruptive elements should be identified separately from genuine protesters.
The leaders submitted video footage related to the movement to the Chief Secretary and sought evidence-based identification and action against those found involved in creating disorder. They also insisted that innocent students should not be harassed while those found guilty should face action under the law.
JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey said students and disruptive elements should not be treated alike.
“Students and disruptive elements should not be viewed through the same lens,” Pandey said, adding that every person involved in the protest should be identified on the basis of video footage and those responsible for creating disorder should face legal action.
Pandey said attempts to use the student movement as a political tool to malign the government would not be tolerated. He alleged that different BJP wings had attempted to aggravate the situation under the guise of the student movement.
He further said that if any student was found involved in disruptive activities, being a student should not provide protection. “If guilt is established, action should be taken equally against everyone, whether a student or a political worker,” he said.
Congress leader Rajesh Thakur also demanded action within 48 hours against those allegedly spreading anarchy under the cover of the student movement. He called for expediting the CID investigation, warning that any laxity in action against those responsible would embolden disruptive elements.
The delegation also urged the government to speed up the CID probe into examination-related cases, particularly the CGL case. According to the leaders, investigating agencies are already active and more than two dozen accused, including the JPSC chairman, have been arrested or are being questioned.
The INDIA bloc said resolving the genuine concerns of students must remain a priority, while attempts to disrupt law and order under the cover of a protest should not receive political protection.
The delegation included JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey, MLAs Vikas Munda, M.T. Raja and Sudeep Gudia; Congress state president Keshav Mahato Kamlesh, MLAs Rajesh Kachhap, Suresh Baitha and Mamta Devi, and former state president Rajesh Thakur; besides RJD leaders Manoj Pandey and Abid Ali.
