MP Rita Joshi & minister Siddharth Nath counter horror of police atrocities with healing touch

PRAYAGRAJ, Feb 27 (HS): The embers of simmering anger among Nishad community over alleged police atrocities is refusing to die anytime soon. Frequent visits of top Samajwadi and Congress leaders to Baswar village in Prayagraj have at least managed to muddy the waters for the time being. A day after the visit of UPCC chief, Ajay Kumar Lallu, Baswar has emerged as the new epicenter of UP politics ahead of 2022 assembly polls. On Saturday, MP from Allahabad, Dr. Rita Bahuguna Joshi and cabinet minister, Siddharth Nath Singh rushed to the village for damage control exercise and gave a patient hearing to aggrieved boatmen and their families.

MP Rita Joshi told villagers that she has already met Union Environment Minister, Prakash Javedkar and amendments of concerned NGT law is under consideration. She expressed confidence of trying to come up with viable solution by holding dialogue with CM Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CM, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Union Environment Minister.

“We are committed for a permanent solution to this issue, which is directly affecting livelihood of Nishad community. The solution to this issue cannot be extended anymore. We are trying our best to ensure that Nishad community carry out their occupation without any hiccups. We are consulting researchers and expert to come up with up a viable solution shortly,” she said.

Cabinet Minister, Siddharth Nath Singh announced slew of measures to improve socio-economic upliftment of Nishad community. He condemned the alleged police highhandedness and said “UP government will stood by the Nishad community in every step of the way. He ordered district administration officials to ensure quick repair and maintenance of boats damaged or destroyed during the drive. Administrative officials were instructed to provide possible assistance to boatmen community that can help them tide over the financial crisis in challenging times.

Siddharth Nath informed that UP government has already filed a petition in Supreme Court challenging the order by National Green Tribunal, restricting the movement and activities of Nishad community. “We are here to uphold your right to earn livelihood, the NGT order has been challenged in apex court. Hearing will begin soon,” he said and showed the copy of petition by UP government to aggrieved villagers.

“Our government is offering loan to the tune of Rs. 25 lakh to those who are interested in fish breeding. Nishad community members who want to earn their livelihood through fish rearing should get in touch with administrative officials. Inform us and we will extend every possible help,” he assured. He appealed the villagers to form a co-operative society to carryout fish breeding. Our government will grant financial assistance to the tune of Rs. one crore. “We will extend helping hand to you in every possible way, quashing NGT orders involve legal hurdles but we will take fight to the finish and ensure your welfare all the way,” he opined.