On 23 December, a demonstration was held by CPI (ML) in front of SDO, Naugachia on the question of land rights and land reforms. The demonstration was also a protest against the incidents of brutal assaults on Dalits-poor-women and other weaker sections on 26 November and 8 December 2016. On 26 November, criminals enjoying protection by the ruling establishment, set fire on a Dalit-poor settlement in Tintanga Diyaara in Rangra block and launched a life-threatening attack on them. On 8 December 2016, the administration unleashed a brutal and criminal crackdown on homeless-landless poor, Dalits, women and other people from backward sections while they were demanding Vaas-Chaas in Bhagalpur Collectorate. During the demonstration on 23rd, a delegation representing the protestors met the SDO and asked him as to why even after a month of these atrocities, no criminal has been arrested. The demands presented to the SDO included- i) immediate arrest of the culprits followed by a speedy trial; ii) suspension of local police station in charge who assisted in this crime and filing of criminal charges against him; iii) compensation of 5 lakh each to those affected by setting of fire and attacks; iv) ensure land to those parcha holders who have been displaced; v) guarantee of homestead and cultivable land for all the homeless and landless; vi) implementation of recommendations of land commission; and vii) suspension of the culprits of the atrocities at Collectorate, i.e., the SDO of Bhagalpur Sadar and the DM and SP.
After the demonstration, a rally was taken out which reached Naugachia station after passing through Makandpur, police station and the main bazaar. After reaching the station, the rally converted into a public meeting which was presided by Naugachia block secretary Com. Ramdev Singh. Hundreds of women and men activists of the party and sympathizers were present during the meeting.
