Ranchi, June 4: Dawn to dusk Jharkhand bandh called by various tribal organisations on Wednesday in protest against the construction of a ramp for a flyover near the ‘Sarna Sthal’ (sacred tribal religious site) in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, evoked mixed response.
The bandh was successful in Gumla district, while there was no effect of the bandh in Simdega, Hazaribagh, Chatra and Jamshedpur. The bandh had a partial effect in Lohardaga district. During the bandh, protesters blocked roads at many places in cities using bamboo sticks.
The protesters blocked major highways connecting the capital Ranchi to Hazaribagh, Gumla and Daltonganj. The effect of the bandh was visible in the state capital, but there was not much effect in the neighbouring districts.
The protesters demonstrated and blocked roads at Hinoo, Harmu, Piska Mod, Kanke, Khelgaon, Kadru and Morabadi in Ranchi, causing inconvenience to passengers including those going to the airport and railway stations.
Significantly, the bandh was called in protest against the construction of a ramp near the Sarna Sthal in Sirmatoli.
Tribal leaders strongly opposed the construction of the ramp. They accused the Hemant Soren-led state government of trying to ‘eradicate tribal religious identity’ and warned if their concerns are not addressed, they will hold intense protests.
Tribal leaders claimed, “It is not just a matter of ramp. It is a matter of our existence. If our demands are not met, we will shut down again on June 6.” Tight security arrangements were made across the state, especially in Ranchi.
Ranchi SDM Utkarsh Kumar said that the situation is under control and there is no news of violence. He said, “Emergency services are continuing despite the shutdown.” The protesters raised slogans like ‘Jharkhand government come to your senses’, ‘Stop grabbing our land’ and ‘Sarna Code has to be implemented’.
The main demands of the tribal organizations include demolition of the newly constructed ramp near the Sarna site, protection of tribal religious places across the state, implementation of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and removal of encroachment from tribal land.
The 2.34 km long elevated route in Ranchi, which includes a 132 meter portion over the railway line, is part of the Rs 340 crore infrastructure project launched in August 2022. It aims to improve connectivity between Sirmatoli and Mecon to reduce traffic congestion.
