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West Singhbhum district experienced significant disruption on Wednesday as the BJP-organized ‘Kolhan Bandh’ took hold, protesting a recent lathi charge incident involving tribal individuals. Streets were eerily quiet, and normal life ground to a halt, with businesses shuttered. Demonstrators from the BJP actively participated in roadside protests, voicing their strong disapproval of the state government and local authorities. Key areas including Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua reported substantial compliance with the bandh.
The protest’s origins lie in a violent confrontation on Monday night in Chaibasa. An earlier demonstration at Tambo Chowk saw villagers surrounding Transport Minister Deepak Birua’s home, demanding a ‘no entry’ policy on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass. The situation devolved into clashes, necessitating police intervention with lathi charges and tear gas. The protesters retaliated with stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to 11 police officers, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, and numerous demonstrators. Authorities have registered a case against 74 identified individuals and around 500 unidentified persons, apprehending 15, including five women.
In response to the perceived heavy-handedness, the BJP has spearheaded the ‘Kolhan Bandh,’ condemning the government’s actions as ‘cruel.’ The JMM, however, has countered these accusations, accusing former CMs Champai Soren and Madhu Koda of inciting public unrest. The ruling party argues that the decision regarding ‘no entry’ zones on national highways is a Union government prerogative.
The ‘Kolhan Bandh’ did not extend to East Singhbhum, which was excluded due to the Ghatshila Assembly by-election. This exemption ensured essential services were unaffected and the shutdown had a limited impact there. In contrast, West Singhbhum faced a complete shutdown.