Police baton charge on LJP rally

Patna, Dec 17 (ANI): Police resorts to baton charge to quell the workers of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) here on Thursday.

The LJP workers were protesting against a special package for the poorest among the Dalits, which, they said, amounted to dividing them.

The LJP state president Pashupati Kumar Paras, alleged that police thrashed the peaceful workers.

"Our demonstration was going on peacefully. Police resorted to merciless baton charge on our workers. In trying to save them three of our state lawmakers were injured, I also sustained injury. We are sitting on protest against such brutality. We will continue to protest till officer concerned is summoned by the Government of Bihar, " said Paras.

The party opposed the government decision to make a distinction among the Dalits on the basis of income.

"Dalit Unity March was organized by the Lok Jansakti Party from all over Bihar against the state government that is trying to divide the Dalits lower section of society, and trying to spread hatred among Dalits," said Paras.

Dalits constitute nearly 15 percent of Bihar's population of 83 million. The poorest among them were declared Maha Dalits.

The state government allocated a special package of Rs three billion for the socio-economic development of the poorest among Dalits.

They constitute 31 percent of the Dalit population in the State. (ANI)