Pandemonium in Jharkhand Assembly over Mahto death

Ranchi, Mar 7 (UNI) Pandemonium broke out in the Jharkhand Assembly today over the killing of Jamshedpur MP Sunil Mahto as the opposition demanded debate on the issue forcing Speaker Alamgir Alam to suspend the question hour.

When the house assembled again after recess, the opposition was on its feet raising their demand, leading to a marathon debate on the law and order scenario in the state.

Chief Minister Madhu Koda lambasted the opposition comprising BJP, JD (U) and others saying they were more forthcoming with criticism than suggestions which was unfortunate.

Mr Koda said 18 out of total 22 districts were naxalite-infested adding the government would adopt a policy to ensure it did not aggravate the situation.

Talking about the government's measures to counter insurgency, he said a minister already visited the site where the JMM leader was gunned down by naxals along with three others on March 4.

He refused to accept the fact that there was slackness on the security measures as on March 1, at the same place an encounter between the security forces and underground rebels took place in which the ultras had to retreat.

He told the house that six additional companies were rushed to incident site and counter-insurgency operation with help from neighbouring state was in full swing.

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