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Normal life was significantly disrupted in West Singhbhum district on Wednesday due to a ‘Kolhan Bandh’ called by the BJP to protest a lathi charge incident involving tribal protestors in Chaibasa. The shutdown saw deserted roads and closed businesses across major towns, including Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua. BJP activists staged protests, voicing strong opposition to the state government and local law enforcement.
The controversy erupted Monday night following a clash between protestors and police. The demonstrators, demanding the implementation of a ‘no entry’ policy on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road, had gathered at Transport Minister Deepak Birua’s residence. The situation turned violent at Tambo Chowk, leading to a police response involving batons and tear gas to quell the unrest. During the ensuing stone-pelting and confrontations, 11 police personnel, including an SDPO, and several protestors were injured. Police have initiated legal proceedings, filing a case against 74 named individuals and 500 unknown persons, and have arrested 15.
The BJP has strongly condemned the police action as ‘inhumane’ and intensified its campaign through the bandh. Meanwhile, the ruling JMM has accused opposition leaders, including former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda, of instigating the protest. The JMM maintains that the jurisdiction for ‘no entry’ regulations on national highways rests with the Union government, not the state or district administration.
The bandh’s effect was localized. East Singhbhum district was spared the full impact, with exemptions granted for essential services due to the ongoing Ghatsila Assembly by-election. This allowed normal operations in East Singhbhum, while West Singhbhum faced a complete shutdown orchestrated by the BJP’s protest call.