long-distance transportation remained stagnant in most parts of the State as a result of the one-day long bandh called by Naxal outfits in five districts of Jharkhand on Sunday.
Observed in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Chatra, Palamu and Hazaribagh, the bandh called against police operations targeting extremists was very effective despite the fact that no untowardly incident was reported from anywhere in these districts. Transporters refrained from taking their buses and trucks out on the roads with fear of damage to life and property.
In Ranchi alone, more than 500 buses in two major bus stands of the city, Birsa Munda bus terminus and ITI bus stand, remained at a standstill posing problems for passengers. Coal hauling was also affected in certain parts of the state as truck drivers coming from the five districts or going through them parked their vehicles on roadsides to avoid unwanted encounters with bandh enforces from extremist outfits.
Examinees appearing for Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (Mains) away from their hometowns today also had to face problems while returning home due to unavailability of buses.
“No vehicles left bus stands in Palamu, Garhwa and adjoining areas which has left many passengers stuck there,” a bus agent was heard saying at the Palamu bus stand.
As fear prevailed, activities came to a halt in the rural pockets of these districts. People did not make long distance journeys in the villages. Although no violent action on the part of the extremists was reported throughout the day, police personnel remained on a lookout for any signs of trouble.
“We have not received complaints yet from anywhere. We are on the alert and are paying attention to the sensitive areas of the district. Emphasis has been laid on the stretch of NH-33 between Namkum and Tamar for its strategic value and some parts of Khalari as it is a sensitive zone,” stated Raj Kumar lakra, Superintendent of Police (Rural), Ranchi.