The committee formed after recent disturbances taken place at Khunti in the name of Patthalgadi would tour the area and examine ground situation before handing over a report to the party leadership. The committee comprising former Rajya Sabha MPs Pradeep Balmuchu and Rameshwar Oraon, ex-MlA Nial Tirkey and former Ranchi mayor Rama Khalko has been constituted by Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajoy Kumar.
The committee after coming into existence met for the first time on Thursday and blamed the Government for mishandling the situation. “So many incidents have taken place at Khunti in no time starting from Patthalgari to rape of five girls, abduction of guards of MP Karia Munda which is continuing with tension. The party condemns such incidents but what is even worrying that the Government remained mute spectator in all this and let the situation go out of its control,” said Balmuchu after the meeting.
The committee members were of the view that provisions of the 5th schedule of the Constitution had not been followed up by attempting to amend first the CNT-SPT Act and later altering with the land Acquisition Act. “We are a democracy where participation of people in governance is very important. There is complete lack of communication between the villagers and the Government at Khunti. The Government has left it to the local administration which is using force to deal with the situation,” said Rameshwar Oraon.
The party also referred to the legislation brought under the UPA regime and termed those as per the wishes of the people like that in terms of safeguarding their rights. A delegation of the party would also meet the Governor to request for exercising powers given for the scheduled areas and help in ensuring peace and tranquility in the area along with other parts of the State.