Ranchi: Statehood movement activists staged a prolonged protest outside the residence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Kanke Road on Wednesday, demanding pension, employment for their descendants, and improved facilities. The demonstration lasted for more than 10 hours, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.
Massive Gathering Under JASM Banner
Hundreds of agitators from across Jharkhad gathered under the banner of the Jharkhand Andolankari Sangharsh Morcha (JASM). They marched towards the CM's residence with the intention of gheraoing it. However, the administration had barricaded the entire area and deployed a heavy contingent of police personnel equipped with anti-riot gear to prevent them from approaching.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The demonstrators put forward several demands, including the withdrawal of the eligibility criteria related to jail terms for allocating pension to activists. They also demanded a fixed pension of Rs 50,000 per month, state honours, direct employment in state government jobs for their descendants, free medical facilities, group insurance benefits, travel coupons, and the naming of road crossings after them. Additionally, they called for the reconstitution of the commission responsible for identifying left-out activists.
During the protest, twenty agitators commenced a fast unto death to press for their demands.
Disappointment Over Unfulfilled Promises
JASM founding secretary Pushkar Mahto expressed disappointment, stating, "It is disheartening that the promises made to the statehood activists during a meeting with the CM in September 2024 have not been fulfilled yet." Mahto later confirmed that the protest was called off after discussions with administrative officials regarding their demands.
Traffic Disruptions
The stir led to significant traffic disruptions in the area. Traffic SP Rakesh Singh said, "The traffic was diverted from Ram Mandir on Kanke Road towards Sidhu Kanho Park, Administrative Training Institute, Zakir Hussain Park, and New Market to various destinations in view of the protest."
About the Author: Sanjay Sahay, with over a decade of experience in journalism, primarily covers crime, security, central agencies, and civil courts in Ranchi. He also reports on education and higher education policies in the state.
