Ranchi tribals demolish private constructions on religious land

Armed tribals on Sunday demolished structures constructed by private builders on a land, which they claimed, holds religious importance for them.

Ranchi, July 22 : Armed tribals on Sunday demolished structures constructed by private builders on a land, which they claimed, holds religious importance for them.

Armed with iron rods and sticks, protesters poured out in large numbers in the Kokar locality of Ranchi.

The protestors demolished constructions built by private builders on a piece of land, where they said they carried out religious rituals.

The tribals alleged that the private builders, in connivance with government officials, have illegally taken possession of the land and are now selling to others.

"This is our religious land. The private builders, in connivance with government authorities, were selling it. The tribals are stopping them and vacating the land," said Dev Kumar Dhan, former legislator and leader of the tribal community.

The protesters said they took to violence as the Jharkhand Government did not heed their words.

"This is our religious land, they have taken it from us and are selling it and the government is doing nothing," said Vinod, a protestor.

The police later cracked down on the ransacking protesters and dispersed them.

The Kokar locality is mainly inhabited by Oran and Munda tribes.

ANI