Ranchi: The statewide bandh called by several tribal organisations on Saturday to protest the killing of tribal leader Padha Raja Soma Munda evoked a mixed response across Jharkhand, with daily life disrupted in parts of the state due to road and highway blockades.
Protests began early in the day in districts such as Khunti, Chaibasa and Ranchi, significantly impacting vehicular movement. Demonstrators blocked several major routes, causing inconvenience to commuters.
The most severe disruption was witnessed on the Jamshedpur–Ranchi National Highway, where traffic came to a halt near the Bundu toll plaza. Protesters reached the site around 11 a.m., triggering massive traffic congestion on both sides of the highway. Thousands of vehicles were stranded for nearly five hours, with only ambulances and army vehicles permitted to pass.
Passengers faced considerable hardship during the blockade, especially due to a lack of food and drinking water as shops in the Bundu Nagar Panchayat area remained shut. Children, elderly people and sick passengers were particularly affected. Traffic resumed around 3.20 p.m. after the demonstrators dispersed.
The district administration intervened as the situation worsened. Bundu Sub-Divisional Magistrate Christopher Kumar Besra, Deputy Superintendent of Police Om Prakash, Station House Officer Ramkumar Verma and Circle Officer Hans Hembrum reached the spot with police personnel and engaged in prolonged talks with the protesters, following which the blockade was lifted.
In Khunti district headquarters, protesters enforced a complete shutdown of markets, while similar demonstrations were reported from Ranchi, including traffic blockades at Karam Toli Chowk and Ratu Road.
Through a memorandum, the protesters demanded a government job for a family member of the deceased, a fast-track trial and punishment of the accused, and compensation of Rs 5 crore. The administration assured that the demands would be forwarded to the state government.
Soma Munda was shot dead on January 7 near Jamuwadag in Khunti district. Police have arrested seven accused so far, citing a land dispute as the motive. Tribal organisations, however, alleged that the main shooter and the mastermind are yet to be arrested and warned of intensified protests if swift action is not taken.
With inputs from IANS