Villagers skip polling in J'khand, demand fundamental rights first
The residents of around 21 villages of Kujju and Herma panchayats under Singhbhum parliamentary constituency boycotted the polling on Thursday, alleging that they were deprived of fundamental rights since 25 years.
The residents of around 21 villages of Kujju and Herma panchayats under Singhbhum parliamentary constituency boycotted the polling on Thursday, alleging that they were deprived of fundamental rights since 25 years.
Mukhiya of Kujju panchayat Jayshree Tiu, who was leading the poll boycott movement, alleged that the government never gave her permission to start the development works at these villages.
According to information, around 7,000 villagers refused to turn up to polling booths. The villagers claimed that they were not interested to elect their representative, as none could ensure them Fundamental Rights.
Around 25 years ago, the state government acquired lands of these villagers in order to construct Icha dam. But neither the displaced families were given full compensation nor was the dam constructed.
The residents of Bandodih, Icha, Sarjamdih, Rangarbera, Balidih, Manjhgaon, Hesla, Herma, Bodih, Borhai, Nimdih and others alleged that they had voted in 2010 panchayat election, hoping that the new mukhiya would bring development in these villages.
However, the district administration never allowed Tiu to spend for the development works of these villages.
Tiu said that she represented 18 villages but the administration allowed her to spend money for only three villages, which were not acquired for dam construction. “I am supporting the protest since I was never allowed to spend for the development of these villages,” Tiu said.
A villager said that the protest would continue until the administration was promising them all fundamental rights.