Nitish for tough action against rioters, NSA invoked in Nawada as violence continues

Patna,(BiharTimes): After holding a meeting with the chief secretary Ashok Kumar Sinha and DGP Abhayanand chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday directed them to use full force to contain the situation arising out of the communal riots in Nawada and Bettiah in West Champaran.

The state government on Monday invoked the National Security Act paving the way for preventive detention and swifter action against the culprits.

Later while talking to the media Nitish Kumar appealed to the political parties to help the administration maintain peace and harmony. He said that this is not the time to play politics.

Though he did not blame any political party for the recent spate of communal violence in the state he added that his government is capable enough to handle any such eventuality.

Asked if his political rivals were behind the disturbances, he said this was a sensitive issue and allegation or counter-allegation should be avoided. The government knows its responsibility and would take strict steps.

He said the state government was keeping a close watch on developments in Nawada and Bettiah. He said the police would find out if it is a pre-planned attempt to create social tension or not. Meanwhile, violence continued for the fourth day in Nawada on Tuesday after the killing of Mohammad Eqbal, 24, in Monday violence. Thus officially the death toll rose to two, but unofficial sources put it four or even more. Incidents of arson and loot took place notwithstanding curfew on Tuesday.

What is of concern is that after the split in BJP-JD(U) alliance on June 16 the state has witnessed at least 16 communal riots leading to the death of many people. Independent political observers squarely blame both the former NDA partners for fomenting trouble. They say that never since 1989 Bhagalpur riots the atmosphere was so much vitiated as now. Even during the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition days people, cutting across the community lines, had the faith that the state government would not allow the violence to go out of hand, they said.

It is not only that communal riots have increased even other social and caste tensions have seen sudden rise. Six Tharus were killed in police firing in Bagaha on June 24, which clearly shows that the things are not under full control of the state government. The Bodh Gaya blasts and school tragedy in Masrakh only raised more doubts about the government’s ability to take up the challenge.