A widespread ‘Kolhan Bandh’ called by the BJP in protest against the lathi charge on tribals significantly impacted West Singhbhum district on Wednesday. The shutdown led to deserted streets and disrupted daily life across the region. Most businesses remained closed from morning, as BJP cadres took to the roads, protesting and raising slogans against the local administration and state government. The impact of the bandh was clearly visible in areas like Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua.
The protest stems from a violent clash that occurred on Monday night in Chaibasa. Villagers had surrounded the residence of Transport Minister Deepak Birua, demanding a ‘no entry’ policy on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road. Tensions escalated at Tambo Chowk, forcing the police to resort to a lathi charge and use tear gas to control the situation. Protesters also engaged in stone-pelting towards the police. This violent confrontation resulted in injuries to 11 police personnel, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), and several agitators. The police have registered an FIR against 74 named individuals and 500 unknown persons, apprehending 15, including five women.
The BJP intensified its protest, calling for the Kolhan Bandh and strongly criticizing the government’s ‘inhumane action’ on social media and the streets. Conversely, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) accused former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda of instigating people regarding the bandh. The JMM argues that the authority to implement ‘no entry’ on national highways rests with the Central Government, not the district or state administration.
Due to the ongoing Ghatsila Assembly by-election, East Singhbhum was exempt from the 12-hour shutdown, with essential services granted concessions. Consequently, the bandh had minimal impact in that area, whereas normal life in West Singhbhum was completely paralyzed.