Extended dharna at Khammardiha police outpost underscores Congress demand for dialogue

An extended dharna has been maintained at the Khammardiha police station by Deepak Baij, the head of Chhattisgarh’s Congress unit, to protest an FIR lodged against party activists.

The protest, which started on Thursday evening, has now reached the 14‑hour mark.

Baij explained that the FIR is perceived as a punitive step aimed at silencing Congress workers.

He conveyed to the media that night‑time talks with officials did not produce any concrete outcome, prompting a continuation of the sit‑in.

A fresh dialogue is scheduled for 11 a.m. the next day, and Baij reaffirmed his readiness to engage in constructive discussions.

He emphasized that confrontation will not solve the issue and that every possible route to a settlement is still available.

The protest follows an earlier clash in Raipur between BJP and Congress supporters, after which FIRs were filed against several Congress leaders.

Baij also took note of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video address to students, saying it underlined the gravity of the situation yet omitted reference to the demands put forward by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.