Protest against ED action on Jharkhand CM, NH 33 blocked in Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Jan 29: Irate and vociferous JMM demonstrators blocked the NH 33 on Monday in protest against the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) constant moves against Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The ED’s quest at Hemant Soren’s Delhi addresses for questioning him, further irked the JMM leaders and activists who raised slogans against the ED and central government. Upset activists staged a roadblock with flags and banners and shouted slogans at Dimna Chowk, causing a traffic jam. This resulted in traffic congestions on both sides of the road although two-wheelers and three-wheelers managed to pass through.

Around 4 PM, JMM leaders including Sheikh Badruddin, Pramod Lal, Nirala, Manoj Yadav, Mahavir Murmu, Sunil Mahato, Babar Khan, Ajay Rajak, and other activists gathered at the Dimna intersection, vehemently protesting against the actions being taken against Chief Minister Hemant Soren. During the demonstration, there were intermittent clashes between pro-Centre and anti-ED slogans. Upon receiving information about the jam, a significant deployment of police forces was made.

After discussions, the JMM activists eventually dispersed from the road. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leaders at the scene stated that the public outcry on the streets of Jharkhand against the actions being taken on the popular tribal Chief Minister was evident. “The misuse of constitutional institutions, such as the ED, by the central government is being seen as a conspiracy to defame the tribal Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Responding to summons with summon, and answer with an answer, is the strategy being adopted,” the senior JMM leaders observed.

The leaders further stated that the directive from the central government to ED was to somehow arrest the popular tribal Chief Minister. This, they contended, had led to a showdown in Delhi. “Today, public anger has flared, and as a result, not only party supporters but also people in general have taken to the streets. Now, preparations are underway for an all-out battle. How many times will you seek answers from a Chief Minister? It would be appropriate to request a response by calling him to his residence or office only once. However, by repeatedly harassing him, the ED is causing disturbances and preventing the development work of the government for the state,” observed Babar Khan.