JMM demands Prez rule in Jharkhand

Oppn leader Sudhir Mahato alleged that Arjun Munda Govt had virtually failed in tackling increasing extremist activities.

The opposition leader Sudhir Mahato on Monday demanded the imposition of President's rule in Jharkhand.

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Mahato alleged that the Arjun Munda government had 'virtually failed' in tackling increasing extremist activities as proved by the incident in Latehar district.

Terming the incident as unprecedented and "first of its kind in the world", Mahato castigated the NDA government for claiming that the Naxalite movement was not only restricted in Jharkhand but to several other states.

"We have heard about plane hijacks, but not incidents of such nature. This government has no moral right to continue in power" Mahato said.

Mahato stated that he would take up the matter of the government's alleged failure in preventing Latehar-type incident with President APJ Abdul Kalam as well as with Prime Minister Manomohan Singh.

The opposition leader in Assembly demanded for imposition of President's rule in the state as the prevailing situation "was indicative of total absence of governance."

"It is true that at least a dozen states in the country have been affected by extremist activity but certainly not to the extent of Jharkhand, where almost the entire state is facing the challenge", the JMM leader said.

Owing to such "lackadaisical approach" of the government, the extremist forces were emboldened to lay siege over a passenger train for several hours, Mahato reiterated.

Mahato claimed that even when the government failed to protect the lives of people and property, it was busy celebrating completion of one year in power.

He said the UPA allies would raise the issue in the state Assembly as soon as it resumed after the Holi.