Ranchi, June 4
A state-wide bandh called by tribal organisations over issues related to traditional religious sites had a major impact across Jharkhand on Wednesday, bringing normal life to a standstill in several districts of the state.
The bandh, led by outfits including Adivasi Bachao Morcha and Sirmatoli Bachao Morcha, was called to protest the alleged encroachment and illegal construction activities near key tribal religious sites, including the central Sarna Sthal in Ranchi.
Protesters have also demanded the protection of sacred sites such as Marang Buru, Lugu Buru, Parasnath, Mudhar Hills (Pithoria), and Mahdani Sarna sites in Tamar and Bedo.
In Ranchi and other districts like Gumla, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Latehar, and East Singhbhum, bandh supporters blocked highways and roads at several locations, disrupting vehicular movement.
Major highways which were blocked included the Ranchi-Patna Road near Kuju (Ramgarh district), blocked from 10 a.m., causing long traffic snarls, the NH-39 near Udaypura Chowk (Latehar district), where traffic was halted, and Toto village (10 km from Gumla), where roads to Gumla and Lohardaga were blocked.
Apart from this, protesters blocked Khelgaon Chauraha, Argora, Morhabadi, Kanke, Ormanjhi, Kadru, Tatisilve, Ratu, and Mandar in Ranchi district, wielding traditional weapons and sticks, using bamboo barricades and burning tyres.