NSUI activists burn effigy of Odisha CM; over 100 detained

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jul 19:

Over hundred activists of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) -the student wing of the Congress today took out a bike rally in the Odisha capital demanding suspension and arrest of IG (Southern) Amitav Thakur for the Kandhamal firing.

The bike rally which started from Congress Bhawan culminated at Sishu Bhawan square where NSUI activists burnt an effigy of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik which had a resemblance to Ravana-the ten-headed demon king. The NSUI activists had scuffles with the police at Sishu Bhawan square.

“In Kandhamal innocent Adivasis were shot dead. The government is trying to cover it up. NSUI will continue with its agitation till the IG is arrested. We will no longer allow the Chief Minister to continue to rule the state with his Ravana policy,” said NSUI state unit president Itish Pradhan to reporters while being taken away by policemen from the agitation site.

Police have detained over 100 activists including Pradhan.

“We have detained about 100 activists of the NSUI when they attempted to break the cordon at Sishu Bhawan square. Now the situation is peaceful. We are keeping a watch to prevent recurrence of similar incidents,” said Satyabrata Bhoi, DCP Bhubaneswar.

It may be recalled here that five innocent Adivasis including a 13-month-old infant were killed and seven others injured in police firing at Kurtamgarh forested area in Kandhamal  during anti-Maoist operations on the night July 8.