IJP demands land for Periyar; manhandles police official

Lucknow, Apr 14 (UNI) Indian Justice Party (IJP) supporters today clashed with the police and tried to manhandle an official in front of the Vidhan Sabha during their demonstration, demanding installation of a statue of EVR Periyar in the state capital.

The IJP supporters, led by party president Udit Raj, also tried to enter the BJP office in order to protest the blackening of the poster of Periyar by BJP supporters here yesterday.

Police had a tough time controlling the IJP supporters, who clashed with the policemen.

A woman IJP supporter even tried to slap ADM (city) Anil Pathak.

About 30 demonstrators, including the president, have been taken into custody for violating law and order.

The IJP had called for 'Pardafash Jansabha', on the occasion of birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, demanding the UP government allocate land in the city for installation of Periyar's statue.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has condemned the state government for arresting Udit Raj and his supporters during the demonstration.

''Such action by the government violates the constitutional right of freedom of speech and expression,'' NCP UP chief Ramesh Dixit here said.

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