In step for harmony

Patna: Scarred by the violence that erupted during Ram Navami festivities in at least eight districts of Bihar, residents on Wednesday came out on the roads here and harped on the necessity to preserve peace and social harmony.

Around 1,000 people, not connected with any political grouping – among them teachers, social workers, dramatists, representatives of women’s organizations, students and intellectuals – participated in the protest march against religious clashes and deteriorating law and order.

The protestors rallied from Kargil Chowk at Gandhi Maidan to Fraser Road and ended their demonstration at the Dakbungalow roundabout. They called themselves “Ham Bihar Ke Log (We the People of Bihar)” to reflect their apolitical agitation.

Rupesh, who led a group of social workers at the march, said: “The law and order machinery in the state has been paralysed, threatening the normal course of lives of ordinary citizens.”

“We appeal to the state government to put all those people behind bars who were allegedly involved in fanning tension and dispel the sense of fear and insecurity among the minority community,” he added.

Chandrakanta Singh, a resident of Ashiyana Nagar, said: “Ordinary people have been affected most by the turmoil. The lawlessness puts the lives of ordinary citizens at constant risk.”

D.M. Diwakar, former director of A.N. Sinha Institute, said: “We issued a joint declaration saying people of Bihar are worried about rising religious intolerance and the sense of insecurity.”

Courtesy: The Telegraph