By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: To protest against the brutal police firing on poor villagers in Forbesganj, Araria, civil society activists organized a protest march here in Patna on the afternoon of 12th March. They strongly condemned the inhuman action of police and the failure of the state government in punishing the guilty. They demanded proper compensation to the victims immediately.
The march started from Radio Station and ended at Patna Junction. “Forbesganj firing ke khilaf hum sab ek hain” (We all are united against the Forbesgabj firing), Nitish government traqqi ke naam per gharibon ko qatl kerna band karo” (Nitish Government! stop killing of poor people in the name of development), Sushil Kumar Modi ke role ki janch karo (Probe the role of Sushil Kumar Modi) were the slogans that protestors were raising during the march. They strongly condemned the inhuman action of police and the failure of the state government in punishing the guilty.
Protest march being kicked off from Radio station
Before the march kicked off, RTI activist Mr. Rupesh, who led the march, put the demands. “We demand proper compensation to the victims immediately because more than a week has passed but it is a matter of shame that no compensation has been announced for them. All the involved police officers including the SP must be suspended and a case of murder should be lodged against them” Mr. Rupesh demanded.
Rupesh also said that the road that was blocked by the factory owner must be restored for the villagers. Besides, the role of Shushil Kumar Modi and Ashok Agarwal, the owner of the factory, must be probed.
Protest march reached Patna junction
Four poor Muslims were killed and several others were injured at Bhajanpur village of Fobesganj block in Araria district on June 3. The incident took place when the villagers were protesting against the blockage of the connecting road between the two villages which led to the brutal police firing.
Under the pressure from Opposition and public, Nitish Kumar has ordered judicial probe into the incident which again is only an announcement so far. Chief Minister has announced Rs. l3 lakh for the family of 6-month-old Sahil Ansari who died in the firing but he did not announce compensation for other victims’ families who are living in dire condition and constant fear.