Dalit Mahasangh Holds Protest In Bhubaneswar Alleging Atrocities; Stopped From Marching To Naveen Niwas

Bhubaneswar: Members of National Dalit Adivasi and Minority Mahasangh staged a demonstration in Bhubaneswar on Thursday alleging atrocities against people of weaker sections in Astarang area of Puri district.

The protesters took out a march towards Naveen Niwas, the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in an effort to meet him with a three-point charter of demands. They wanted to tell the Chief Minister about the plight of dalit families in Astarang area.

However, the activists were stopped by the police at Uttara Chhak. Senior police officials held talks with state president of the Mahasangh Vijay Sethi and assured the protesters that they take appropriate steps for fulfilment of their demands.

The protesters handed over a memorandum addressed to the CM to the police officials.

Mahasangh president Vijay Sethi told media that dalit people are being tortured and exploited in Astarang area and the government must take immediate steps to put a halt to atrocities on them. If the government fails to fulfil their demands within five days, the Mahasangh would storm Naveen Niwas.

A senior police official said that the memorandum submitted by the protesters would be sent to the Chief Minister’s Office for appropriate action.