Stepping up its agitation for strict implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the State, the Congress on Thursday called a bandh in undivided KBK districts on July 2.
“Tribals have applied for land pattas since 2007 under the FRA, but they are yet to get it. We have called for a bandh on July 2 in the eight (KBK) districts, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi and Nuapada. We demand strict and immediate implementation of FRA,” Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan told reporters here.
He also demanded immediate release of former party MP Pradip Majhi and 18 others who have been arrested for fighting for the cause of tribals.
“The State has turned into a sanctuary for criminals during Naveen Patnaik’s regime. Instead of arresting criminals most of whom are absconding, the Government is arresting Congress leaders who are fighting for people,” said Harichandan.
“This is nothing but sheer political vendetta of Naveen Patnaik’s BJD Government,” he said. Meanwhile, Youth Congress activists led by PCC chief Harichandan and senior leaders Niranjan Patnaik and lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohanpatra gheraoed the Bhubaneswar Additional District Magistrate (ADM) office protesting failure of the Government in sorting out the acute unemployment issue in the State.
“Naveenbabu has completely failed in providing employment to youths. In last two years, not a single greenfield project has been taken up in the State. While the Government is busy distributing rice at Re 1 per kg, the Narendra Modi Government is hoodwinking people by chanting an Acchhe Din Ayaga slogan,” said Niranjan Patnaik.
On the day, members of the Youth Congress led by its Mayorbhanj district unit president ransacked the Mayurbhanj district Collector’s office at Baripada during the protest over the unemployment issue.
The activists pelted eggs at the office building after barging into it and damaged furniture and other office equipments.
However, after a long scuffle, police managed to control the protestors.