Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJD Tuesday condemned the alleged attack on the place of worship of a tribal community in Kendujhar district and demanded action against the accused persons.
A BJD delegation, led by former minister and the party’s tribal cell president Sudam Marandi, visited Basantapura village during the day under the Ghasipura Assembly constituency in Kendujhar district as per instructions of party president Naveen Patnaik.
The delegation condemned the attack allegedly carried out by individuals associated with a particular outfit at the place of worship of the Santal community for political purposes.
The delegation held discussions with members of the Santal community regarding the incident.
The incident took place October 23 when some individuals belonging to a particular outfit forcibly entered the sacred place of worship of the Santal community, known as ‘Jaher Than’ (Jahera), and vandalised it.
They allegedly misbehaved with tribal women present at the place of worship and assaulted elderly men, women and several youths, Marandi said.
He said that despite a complaint having been lodged at the police station, no action has reportedly been taken so far.
“When the chief minister of the state himself belongs to the tribal community, an attack on tribal people in his own district clearly demonstrates how unsafe tribal communities have become in Odisha. The state government must prioritise the safety and security of tribal communities by ensuring an impartial investigation into the attack on members of the Santal community and take appropriate legal action against those responsible,” Marandi told reporters.
The ruling BJP was yet to respond to the allegations made by the BJD.