Ranchi, Mar 22 : A citywide bandh disrupted normal life in Ranchi on Saturday as tribal organizations protested against the construction of a flyover ramp near the ‘Sarna Sthal’ in Sirmatoli, a religiously significant site for tribals.
Bandh supporters blocked more than 10 locations across the city, including Kokar Chowk, Kanke Road, Ratu Tilata Chowk, Doranda Bazaar, Kathal Mor, and Airport Road. Shops remained closed in several areas, and vehicles were halted by burning tires and placing poles on roads. Public transport and autos were largely non-operational, causing inconvenience to commuters.
Around 40 tribal organizations had called for the bandh, demanding the removal of the flyover ramp. Tribal youth, under the banner of ‘Sirmatoli Bachao Morcha,’ took to the streets, raising slogans and brandishing sticks and traditional weapons.
A clash occurred between bandh supporters and Ranchi Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Utkarsh Kumar near Hinoo Chowk when he attempted to clear the blockade on the road leading to the airport. Bandh supporters also blocked Ranchi-Tata Road near Loadih. Though police personnel were present, they did not attempt to remove the barricades.
The Morcha argued that the flyover ramp would interfere with their religious ceremonies. “This is an attack on our faith,” a Morcha representative said.
Four days before the bandh, the Morcha had staged a protest in Ranchi by taking out a symbolic funeral procession of tribal MLAs and ministers, including the Chief Minister, demanding the ramp’s removal. A torchlight procession was also held on Friday evening.
In anticipation of the bandh, several schools had suspended classes in advance. CBSE exams were scheduled in many schools, and bandh supporters had announced exemptions for examinees and essential services. Ambulances and medical shops were also excluded from the bandh.
By late afternoon, markets started reopening, and normalcy gradually returned to the city.
