Nisha Bhagat case: BJP announces South Chotanagpur bandh on November 18
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, November 9: The BJP Scheduled Tribe (ST) Morcha has announced a phased agitation across the South Chotanagpur…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, November 9: The BJP Scheduled Tribe (ST) Morcha has announced a phased agitation across the South Chotanagpur division, demanding justice for deceased tribal activist Nisha Bhagat and an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The programme will culminate in a shutdown of the entire South Chotanagpur division on November 18.
Announcing the agitation, BJP ST Morcha state president Sunny Toppo said the organisation would launch a sustained struggle alongside the tribal community until a CBI investigation was recommended and those found responsible were brought to justice.
He described the Nisha Bhagat case as a serious issue concerning the identity, dignity and rights of the tribal community.
Toppo outlined the following schedule of protests:
- November 10: Torch processions in all seven organisational districts of South Chotanagpur — Ranchi Metropolitan, Ranchi East, Ranchi West, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and Khunti.
- November 11: Candle march by tribal women.
- November 17: Torch processions in all organisational mandals.
- November 18: Shutdown across the South Chotanagpur division.
Toppo said the organisation would not tolerate any attempt to protect those found responsible in the case. He added that the agitation would continue until a CBI probe was recommended and strict action was taken against the guilty.
He also recalled that on November 7, the ST Morcha had organised demonstrations and burnt effigies simultaneously in all 595 organisational mandals across the state, demanding a CBI investigation into Bhagat’s death.
BJP Leaders Demand Impartial Investigation
Former MLA Ramkumar Pahan said the Nisha Bhagat case was extremely serious and required an impartial investigation.
He said ensuring the safety, dignity and justice of tribal women was the responsibility of the government. A CBI investigation, he added, was necessary to address concerns about possible bias or attempts to suppress facts.
BJP spokesperson Aarti Kujur said the struggle for justice for Nisha Bhagat was not merely the concern of one family or organisation but an issue involving the dignity, safety and rights of tribal women.
She demanded accountability from the government on women’s security and appealed to tribal women, social organisations and young people to participate in the agitation.
Appeal for Peaceful Participation in November 18 Bandh
The BJP ST Morcha appealed to prominent members of the tribal community, social organisations, youth and women to support the protests and make the November 18 shutdown peaceful and successful.
The organisation reiterated that its agitation would continue until an impartial CBI investigation was ensured and strict action was taken against those found responsible for Bhagat’s death.
Ashok Badaik, Pinky Khoya, Ravi Munda, Renu Tirkey and Mukesh Bhagat were present at the press conference.
