RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Jan.11: Anil Kumar Shrivastava, a Congress party worker who took part in the movement for creation of a separate Jharkhand state, is now feeling forgotten.
Shrivastava, a native of Dhurwa in Jharkhand’s capital, told Lagatar24.com that he had not imagined such a condition following the foundation of Jharkhand.
“I sustained head injuries at the Ranchi Airport on February 2, 2000 as the police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the Congress party workers demanding for a separate Jharkhand state in front of the then union minister Babulal Marandi and other BJP leaders. An FIR was filed in this matter at the Doranda police station. My head injuries were treated at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) (formerly Rajendra Medical College and Hospital). I fled there to continue my protest,” Shrivastava explained.
“When Jharkhand was formed, I sought for Jharkhand Andolankari status on April 15, 2015. However, on November 15, 2019, the Jharkhand police detained me in that matter and sent me to jail, where I spent seven days. I expected some relief when the UPA administration came to power and Hemant Soren became chief minister, as his father Shibu Soren is well aware of the difficult lives of those who battled for Jharkhand’s independence. But what about relief? No one even came to meet me, and I know I’m surviving with my wife, two kids, and a daughter.,” Shrivastava said.
Shrivastava, who is only 46 years old, described his physical state as being unable to see with his left eye, eat with his left teeth, work with his left hand, and walk with his left leg. “I’m battling every day,” Shrivastava admitted.
Prabhakar, who received Jharkhand Andolankari status and began receiving pension, identified Shrivastava as Andolankari and stated that he was with him at the airport on February 2, 2000.
“I, too, had suffered head traumas like Shrivastava. After some paperwork, I received the status of Jharkhand Andolankar. It should be investigated why Shrivastava does not have the same status. The state government should prioritise the identification of Andolankari. It is concerning that folks like Shrivastava are feeling disregarded.” Prabhakar said.
