Shimla- BJP leaders today launched the attack against the Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, accusing them of failing to address the escalating crime and lawlessness that has tarnished the image of Dev Bhoomi’. BJP summitted Memorandum to the state Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhawan today.
According to the BJP, more than 40 murders, over 150 rape cases, and 183 kidnappings have been reported within a mere six-month period under the Congress government.
BJP leaders including women leaders from Mahila Morcha also staged protest outside the Raj Bhavan, shouting slogans against the Congress government, highlighting “deteriorating law and order situation in the state”.
BJP is eyeing "some political gains" by painting "anti-Hindu stance of the Congress in connection with Salooni murder incident" ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections".
BJP leaders alleged that these disturbing figures have sent shockwaves across the peaceful and law-abiding state, tarnishing its reputation as "Devbhoomi".
On the other, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had slammed BJP leaders of communalising the incident and spreading lawlessness by vitiating peaceful atmosphere of the state despite the fact that all the accused were arrested and were in law custody soon after the incident. He had ducked the demand for the NIA probe as the police probe was already on.
The trigger for the BJP's outrage was the heinous murder of 25-year-old Manohar Lal, whose mutilated body was discovered in a sack dumped in a drain in Salooni area of Chamba district on June 12, a six days after he went missing from home.
The ghastly crime, in which Lal's body was severed into eight pieces, has left the local community stunned and demanding justice, BJP leaders pointed out.
BJP alleged that the accused involved in this brutal act are from a specific community with a questionable background and a history of criminal involvement.
In response to these distressing incidents, the BJP, led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal, submitted a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla.
The memorandum highlighted four major demands from the BJP: a thorough investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to uncover the truth behind the murder, fast track court proceedings with the aim of swift punishment for the accused, a reassessment of pasture permits in the district, and stricter verification protocols for individuals from specific communities, entering Himachal Pradesh.
BJP leaders claim that reports suggest the infiltration of Bangladeshi and Rohingya communities in region.
The BJP leaders including Siddharthan, Suresh Bhardwaj, and Satpal Satti and others were present during the protest.