Chaibasa: A high-level fact-finding committee of Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) visited Chaibasa on Tuesday to assess the situation arising from the recent clashes and arrests during protests demanding a “no-entry” restriction on heavy vehicles. The delegation comprised JPCC working president Bandhu Tirkey, chief spokesperson Lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo, Minority Commission member Dr. M. Tauseef, and spokesperson Shantanu Mishra.
The committee held a meeting chaired by district Congress president Ranjan Boipai, during which it interacted with local residents and those involved in the movement to gather firsthand information. Officials informed the team that 16 people, including a minor, were arrested and sent to jail, while FIRs were lodged against 74 others. The protesters have been demanding the immediate release of those detained.
Following their ground visit, the Congress delegation met Chaibasa Deputy Commissioner and submitted a memorandum, urging a review of police action. Bandhu Tirkey also met members of the Ho community and assured them of Congress’s full support, stating that their demand was legitimate and rooted in public safety concerns.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Tirkey squarely blamed BJP leaders for inciting violence. “The social organisations were peacefully protesting for a genuine cause, but BJP leaders deliberately turned the movement violent to malign the state government’s image,” he said, accusing the party of “politicising people’s pain for its own gain.”
Tirkey added that Congress will apprise the Chief Minister and the state government of public sentiment and ensure that justice is done. He said the party has appointed legal advisors to assist the arrested and affected families and has also extended financial help to some of them.
Chief spokesperson Lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo said the local Congress committee and residents believe that, given the increasing number of road accidents, the demand for a no-entry restriction on the national highway is fully justified.