THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 13: The BJP today said that the state government is instilling fear among the people, forcing them to take up arms for self-defence. “For the first time in history, a government is publicly declaring certain roads as unsafe,” it said.
Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office, BJP working state president and former MP Dr. Ravindra Kumar Rai strongly criticised the Hemant government. He accused the current administration of failing to maintain law and order, resulting in the resurgence of extremism.
BJP govt made significant efforts to curb extremism
Dr. Rai highlighted that the previous BJP government had made significant efforts to curb extremism in Jharkhand. “Through strict action against extremist groups, many were compelled to either surrender or were neutralised by central security forces. Their hideouts were destroyed, and they were forced to leave the state’s forests and mountains,” he added.
However, he pointed out that recent incidents in districts such as East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Chatra indicate that the state is once again falling under the grip of jungle raj.
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Dr. Rai further noted that before Jharkhand became a separate state, extremists often took refuge in this region during Bihar’s rule. “Back then, the situation had spiralled so out of control that acts like the murder of MPs, MLAs, and even the son of a former Chief Minister became common. Extortion, frequent bandh calls, and massive levy collections from industrialists and businessmen were everyday occurrences. But under the BJP-led government at both the state and central levels, these issues were tackled strictly, and tangible improvements were seen. Now, however, a similar scenario seems to be reemerging,” he maintained.
Rural people are being forced to take up arms
He expressed grave concern that rural people are being forced to take up arms for their safety. “Villagers are staying awake through the night to protect their lives and property. In this environment, he fears that instead of addressing the root cause, the government might target and implicate villagers in false cases to cover its failures,” he added.
Dr. Rai slammed the Hemant government, accusing it of deceiving the people and spreading fear instead of providing security. He criticised the administration for being the first in the state’s history to officially declare 24 roads as unsafe. He said such announcements by the government and police are clear evidence of the deteriorating law and order situation.
He also alleged that extremists are once again terrorising the public and extorting businesses involved in sand mining, small mines, coal, and stone industries.
The BJP leader demanded that the state government prioritise restoring law and order. He urged the government to take immediate steps to establish the rule of law and address this growing crisis.
Media in-charge Shiv Pujan Pathak and state spokesperson Rafia Naz were also present at the press conference.
