A widespread ‘Kolhan Bandh’ called by the BJP in protest against a lathi charge on tribal protesters significantly impacted West Singhbhum district on Wednesday. The shutdown led to deserted streets and disrupted daily life, with most businesses remaining closed. BJP workers took to the roads, chanting slogans against the local administration and state government. The impact of the bandh was clearly visible in areas like Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua.
The protests stem from a violent clash that occurred Monday night in Chaibasa. Protesters demanding a ‘no entry’ rule on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road had surrounded the residence of Transport Minister Deepak Birua. Tensions escalated at Tambo Chowk between protesters and police, forcing law enforcement to use lathi charges and tear gas to control the situation. The crowd responded with stone-pelting, injuring 11 police personnel, including an SDPО, and several protesters. Police have filed an FIR against 74 named individuals and 500 unknown persons, leading to the arrest of 15 people, including five women.
The BJP has intensified its opposition, labeling the police action an ‘inhumane act’ by the government. Conversely, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda of instigating the public during the bandh. The JMM contends 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 Ghatshila Assembly by-election, East Singhbhum was exempted from the 12-hour shutdown, with essential services remaining operational. Consequently, the bandh had minimal effect in that region, unlike in West Singhbhum where normal life was thoroughly disrupted.