Patna: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Mizoram on Saturday while his visit to Sasaram in Bihar has been cancelled due to communal riots on Ramnavmi day, sources said. Shah landed in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram today where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay foundation of projects worth over Rs 2000 crore. Among other projects, he will inaugurate the Assam Rifles battalion headquarters complex at Zokhawsang and the integrated command and control centre under the smart city limited.
The Union Home Minister was scheduled to leave for Bihar in the evening. However BJP state president Samrat Chaudhary said that the Home Minister's visit to Sasaram stands cancelled due to the section 144 imposed by the authorities in view of riots and arson on Ramnavmi day on Friday. "Union Home minister Amit Shah was supposed to come to Sasaram for an event. As Bihar government imposed Section 144 we have to cancel the event. How can we hold an event like this?" Chaudhary said.
In Sasaram, Shah was scheduled to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Emperor Ashoka. He was also to address a rally in Nawada on the same day. BJP leaders said that a crowd of more than 1.25 lakh was expected to attend Shah's program. Senior BJP leaders and Union ministers were also scheduled to participate in the event.
In Sasaram, several people were were injured while several vehicles were torched in clashes during Ramnavmi celebrations after a mob set on fire a Ramnavmi pandal. Authorities had to impose section 144 to bring the situation under control. As a precautionary measure, internet has been suspended while the violence-hit area has been converted into a cantonment.
Riots and arson on Ramnavmi also took place in Nalanda where the two communities clashed with each other at Biharsharif. The clash broke out near the Gagan Diwan area of Biharsharif where an argument escalated to heavy stone pelting from both sides with a dozen vehicles torched by the rioters. Shah's visit to Bihar is being closely watched by all.
The BJP has called the riots the “handiwork of anti-social elements of the ruling party”. However, the RJD said that it is an “old habit of BJP to take advantage of riots”. Bihar Police on Saturday said that 27 persons have been arrested in Nalanda and 18 in Sasaram in connection with the riots. Superintendent of Police of Nalanda, Ashok Mishra appealed to the people not to believe rumours and to maintain peace.
