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A ‘Kolhan Bandh’, initiated by the BJP in West Singhbhum, brought normal life to a halt on Wednesday in protest of a police lathicharge against tribal demonstrators. The shutdown was observed across key areas including Chaibasa, Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua, with roads eerily quiet and businesses shuttered. BJP workers actively participated in demonstrations, chanting slogans against the state government and local police authorities. The protest’s roots lie in a violent incident on Monday night near the residence of Transport Minister Deepak Birua. A confrontation occurred when protesters demanding ‘no entry’ on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road clashed with police. The situation at Tambo Chowk deteriorated, forcing police to use batons and tear gas. Protesters retaliated with stone-pelting, injuring 11 police officers, including the SDPO, and several demonstrators. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against 74 individuals and an additional 500 unknown persons, with 15 arrests made, including five women.
The BJP has vehemently criticized the lathicharge, labeling it a government overreach and an attack on tribal rights. The ruling JMM has countered by suggesting that former CMs Champai Soren and Madhu Koda are instigating the protests. The JMM’s stance is that imposing ‘no entry’ zones on national highways falls under central government jurisdiction. The impact of the bandh was minimal in East Singhbhum, which was excluded due to the Ghatshila Assembly by-election, with provisions made for essential services. In contrast, West Singhbhum experienced a complete disruption.