Bedlam in Chhattisgarh House on police action against tribals

The issue of police lathicharge on tribals figured in the Chhattisgarh Assembly today with main Opposition Congress demanding a probe into the incident. Police yesterday cane-charged and lobbed teargas shells to disperse tribals who were on their way to `gherao’ Chhattisgah Assembly here in support of their various demands, including 32 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutes. Nearly 1,000 adivasis were arrested by the police. Agitated Congress members vociferously raised the issue and demanded explanation from the Government. Twenty- eight Congress MLAs were suspended by the Speaker for creating ruckus and entering into the well of the House. Their suspension was later revoked. Following the pandemonium, the House was adjourned for 10 minutes. When the House reassembled, Leader of Opposition Ravindra Chaubey said confusion prevails over the issue of reservation for SC/STs in the state. The BJP Government had assured 32 per cent reservation for tribals and adivasis were demanding the same. When tribals offered to discuss the matter with the Government, they were beaten up by the police, he said. Home Minister Nanki Ram Kanwar said prohibitory orders are in place around the Assembly building when the House is in session. He said the adivasis were armed with traditional weapons and they hurled stones at the police when they were not allowed to march towards the Assembly. The police was "forced" to resort to lathicharge after coming under attack from the tribals, he said.