A ‘Kolhan Bandh’ was observed across West Singhbhum district on Wednesday, spearheaded by the BJP, to protest an alleged lathi charge against tribal demonstrators in Chaibasa. The shutdown resulted in empty roads and a significant halt to daily activities. BJP members were visible on the streets, protesting and criticizing the state administration. The bandh’s effects were palpable in towns like Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua.
The current wave of protests is a reaction to Monday night’s violent episode in Chaibasa. Earlier, residents had gathered near Transport Minister Deepak Birua’s residence, demanding a prohibition on entry along NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road. At Tambo Chowk, the confrontation between the public and police escalated, leading to the use of force, including lathi charges and tear gas. The crowd’s stone-pelting injured 11 police personnel, including an SDPО, and several agitators. A First Information Report has been filed against 74 individuals and 500 others, with 15 arrests made so far.
The BJP has vehemently criticized the incident as an ‘inhumane crackdown’ by the government. In contrast, the ruling JMM has pointed fingers at former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda, accusing them of manipulating the public for the bandh. The JMM’s stance is that national highway regulations fall under the purview of the central government.
East Singhbhum was kept separate from this protest due to the Ghatshila Assembly by-election, with exemptions granted for essential services. This strategic exclusion meant the bandh had minimal impact in East Singhbhum, while West Singhbhum experienced a complete shutdown, underscoring the localized effect of the protest.