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Normalcy was severely affected in West Singhbhum district on Wednesday as the BJP-called ‘Kolhan Bandh’ took hold, protesting a recent police action involving a lathicharge on tribal protesters. Chaibasa and its surrounding regions, including Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua, saw deserted streets and closed shops as part of the shutdown. BJP members mobilized on the ground, expressing their strong opposition to the administration and the state government’s handling of the situation. This widespread protest was triggered by a Monday night clash that involved demonstrators surrounding the residence of Transport Minister Deepak Birua over demands for ‘no entry’ policies on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass. At Tambo Chowk, the situation escalated, compelling police to resort to lathicharge and tear gas. The crowd responded with stone-throwing, resulting in injuries to 11 police officers, including an SDPO, and several protesters. An FIR has been registered naming 74 individuals and around 500 others, with 15 arrests, including five women, confirmed.
The BJP has sharply denounced the police response, terming it an ‘inhumane’ act and a suppression of tribal voices. Meanwhile, the JMM, part of the ruling coalition, has pointed fingers at former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda, accusing them of inciting the bandh. The JMM’s perspective is that the decision-making power for ‘no entry’ on national highways rests solely with the Union government. The 12-hour bandh had limited impact on East Singhbhum, which was given an exemption due to the ongoing Ghatshila Assembly by-election and ensured continuity of essential services. West Singhbhum, however, faced a comprehensive shutdown.
