Jharkhand Bandh Over Tribal Leader's Attack Gets Mixed Response
A day-long bandh called by several tribal organizations in Jharkhand received mixed reactions across the state on Saturday. Tribal outfits organized the shutdown to demand the arrest of assailants who attacked traditional village head Soma Munda in Khunti district last week.
Complete Shutdown in Khunti District
Khunti district came to a complete standstill as tribal community members flooded the streets. Protesters demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into Soma Munda's case. Markets, shops, schools and private institutions remained closed throughout the district.
Protestors blocked major roads connecting Khunti to Ranchi, Taimara, Simdega and Chaibasa. The bandh disrupted normal life completely in Khunti district.
Marshal Barla, convener of Adivasi Samanvaya Samiti, stated their volunteers visited different parts of Khunti district in the morning. They requested people to support the bandh call. Barla described the protest as peaceful, spontaneous and successful.
Limited Impact in Other Districts
The bandh call received lukewarm response in Ranchi, Dumka, Ramgarh, Lohardaga and Simdega districts. In Ranchi, bandh supporters burned tires and staged dharnas at several locations.
Key protest sites included Albert Ekka Chowk, Karamtoli Chowk in the city, and Khalari and Pithiroa in the district. Most schools decided to remain closed anticipating disruptions.
Prem Munda of Adivasi Jan Parishad reported protests at about half a dozen places in Ranchi district. Police detained leaders including Kendriya Sarna Samiti president Babloo Munda and women's wing president Nisha Bhagat from different locations.
Transport Disruptions and Public Inconvenience
Bus services from Ranchi to Simdega, Chaibasa and Rourkela faced significant disruptions due to the protests. Kishore Mantri, former president of Federation of Jharkhand Chambers of Commerce and Industries, expressed concern about public inconvenience.
Mantri, who owns buses, stated such protests cause difficulties for common people. He suggested protestors should engage in dialogue with the government instead of disrupting normal life.
Police Deployment and Peaceful Protest
The police administration deployed approximately 1,200 police personnel along with magistrates across the district. Their primary objective was maintaining law and order during the bandh.
Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan confirmed the bandh remained largely peaceful. Police detained around 40 protestors during the agitation. Authorities later released them on bond.
Protest organizers emphasized their commitment to pursuing their demands through peaceful means. The tribal community continues to seek justice for the attack on their traditional leader.
