Bhadohi: Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Ajay Kumar Lallu and three others were detained by the police while they were travelling to Sonbhadra to meet the families of the victims who were killed in a firing incident over a land dispute last year. According to the police, Lallu has been taken to a guest house.
Speaking to reporters, Lallu said, "Today, I was going to pay my respect to the victims of the people who were killed fighting for their rights. This government believes in suppression. They don't have faith in democracy."
He said that he wanted to go to the village to pay his tribute to those who died in the massacre. He attacked the government on his arrest calling it 'unconstitutional' and Yogi Government will have to answer for this atrocity.
"Had the force deployed here to stop me been applied to prevent crimes and catch criminals in the state, it would have been a much more safe place. However, the state government is busy taking action against politicians and sending them to prison," Lallu said.
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Last year, at least nine people, including four women were hacked to death over a dispute of land at Ubha village in Sonbhadra district, 25 km away from Ghorawal police station.
Attacking the Yogi Government, Anshu Awasthi, spokesperson of state AICC, said, "The state government wants to suppress the voices of the opposition and is making attempts to our party. But Congress won't let that happen.
He added, "Yogi Adityanath government is promoting fascism but our party will continue to fight for the rights of the people. Even if are put behind the bars for 1,000 times, we won't step back. The state government cannot fool the public and it won't be able to stop our party workers.
The Sonbhadra firing took place when the village head went to take possession of his land purchased two years ago. However, he met with opposition from the villagers, which triggered the firing, allegedly by his aides, leading to at least ten deaths.
It may be recalled that Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also taken into preventive custody when had attempted to meet the victims of the Sonbhadra incident.
(With ANI inputs)
