Some shops were set on fire during the pro-Citizenship Amendment Act in Lohardaga. (Photo Credit: ANI)
New Delhi :
Curfew has been imposed in the Lohardaga town of Jharkhand after violence broke out during a pro- Citizenship Amendment Act rally taken out by Vishva Hindu Parishad. "Curfew imposed in Lohardaga. Schools-colleges to remain closed for 2 days. After this, the decision will be taken as per the situation. Situation under control. Extra forces deployed," Lohardaga District Collector said. According to reports, stones were hurled at the rally when it reached the Amlatoli Chowk area of the state. The reportedly led to a clash like situation and several shops were burnt and some vehicles were set on fire. This further sparked tensions in the area forcing concerned authorities to impose Section 144 in the area. A large number of security forces have been deployed by the administration to prevent any untoward incident. Section 144 prohibits the assembly of more than 4 persons in the area to keep the situation under control.
“Violence erupted yesterday in Lohardaga town after a march, supporting Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens, was taken out by members of Vishva Hindu Parishad during which stone-pelting allegedly took place while it was passing through Amla Toli,” ANI reported.
Lohardaga Deputy Commissioner Akanksha Ranjan has confirmed that Section 144 has been imposed in the area. Ranjan said that and investigation has also been launched into the matter.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has said it will go to village to village to remove ‘confusion’ over the Citizenship Amendment Act and seers present at its ‘Virat Sant Sammelan’ backed the legislation. Amarkantak mahamandleshwar Hariharanand Sarswati said the country had been divided on the basis of religion once and ‘same situation was being created now’ through anti-CAA protests.
He said initially arson took place and now an emotional blackmail is being done “with protesters being paid for it”. Swami Vishvesh Prapannacharya said the legislation brought by the Union government should be supported as it protected people.
Meanwhile, the Ramjanmabhoomi Ramalaya Nyas at a separate programme unveiled a model of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Trust secretary Avimukteshwaranand said they were committed to the construction of a grand Ram temple.
