Violent clashes erupted in the Raja Nawagaon village in Kawardha district of Chhattisgarh between the Gondwana community and the police over the alleged desecration of a Gondwana flag. The incident happened on 14th February when the flag was reportedly insulted by Durga Bhagat in the village of Haurmo. Following this, Gondwana community members called for a meeting in Raja Nawagaon to discuss the issue, and tensions escalated, leading to a massive uproar.
During the meeting, people became furious and indulged in stone-pelting and lathi-charging, causing injuries to many police officers and employees, including a female ASP. The situation worsened, and the police had to resort to baton charges to control the crowd.
To address the issue, District Collector Janmejay Mohobe and ASP Dr. Lal Umesh Singh arrived at the spot, trying to pacify the agitators. However, clashes broke out between the police and the villagers, resulting in many police officers getting severely injured. The ASP’s finger was broken, while Manisha Ravate, another ASP, sustained injuries on her hands. Other officers also suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull of a TI.
The protestors broke barricades and headed towards Haurmo, where the incident took place. A large number of police personnel were deployed to prevent the situation from escalating further. The villagers, demanding justice, have called for the arrest of Durga Bhagat.
The Gondwana community is considered the largest tribal community in central India, primarily inhabiting the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Orissa. The community’s flag is a symbol of their identity, and desecrating it is considered a grave insult. The incident has led to massive protests by the Gondwana community across the state, with demands for strict action against the perpetrators.
The incident highlights the need for greater sensitivity towards the tribal communities and their culture. The administration must ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice and that such incidents are not repeated in the future. It is crucial to maintain peace and harmony in the region and ensure that the grievances of the community are addressed appropriately. The incident should serve as a wake-up call for the administration to address the longstanding demands and issues of the tribal communities, which have remained unaddressed for a long time.
