By IANS
Ranchi : With political and tribal organisations in Jharkhand hitting the streets to protest recommendations to reduce the number of tribal seats, a Delimitation Commission of India (DCI) team postponed its visit to the state Thursday.
The DCI has recommended that the total number of reserved seats in the state be reduced – in the assembly to 21 from 28 and the Lok Sabha to four from five.
Protesters shouted slogans against the DCI in the city Wednesday evening. They also burnt copies of the DCI recommendations and held torchlight processions.
The DCI had planned to hold consultations with political parties over its recommendation during its visit.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Jharkhand Jandhikar Manch (JJM) and other parties announced they would hold road blockades Friday and Saturday to protest the arrival of the DCI members.
The DCI team's decision to postpone its scheduled visit has been welcomed by most political parties. "The DCI decision to postpone its visit is a good move. Their visit could have flared up the anger of the people," said Pradeep Balmuchu, state Congress president.
"The postponement of the visit is a first victory for the tribal people. We will continue our agitation to protest the DCI recommendation. We will call for a 48-hour economic blockade in the state during the monsoon session of parliament in protest," said Chamra Linda, president of Adivasi Chatra Sangh.
The JMM has decided to hold a meeting to chalk out the future course of its action.