On the second day of JVM-sponsored economic blockade, in protest against State Government’s local residents (domicile) policy, evoked mixed response in Kolhan region today.
The party activists hit the streets in different places like Bhilaipahari, Ghatshila, Baharagora ( all in East Singhbhum), Chaibasa in West Singhbhum and Seraikela in adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district disrupting traffic on national and State highways.
JVM activists of East Singhbhum led by local leaders staged agitation at Bhilaipahari where they deflated tyres of over a dozen trucks and trailers. The heavy vehicles were stranded on the NH-33. Another group of JVM activists led a similar agitation at Baharagora where they targeted heavy vehicles.
Movement of passenger vehicles were not affected but at some places they got delayed. “I had to go to Ghatshila to meet my family. But, got delayed for half-an-hour as the JVM activists were indulging in deflating tyres of heavy vehicles,” said Rahul Singh, a trader based in Mango.
A group of JVM activists also led a similar agitation at Gamharia and Chaibasa where they stopped heavy vehicles like trucks and trailers and deflated the tyres.
JVM's central secretary Abhay Singh was put on house arrest. “ Our agitation has been successful and we have achieved to spread message against the State Government’s policy. The police detained me at my house in Kashidih. I was not allowed to move out. We will chalk out our next strategy soon,” said Singh.
Meanwhile, East Singhbhum police had taken adequate measures to prevent any untoward incident during the economic blockade stir.
Confirming this senior SP of East Singhbhum Anoop T Mathew said that vigil on NH-33 was intensified by Jharkhand Armed Police and CRPF. About 100 preventive arrests were made," said the senior SP.