Statewide blockade called by the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) on Thursday got a mixed response. long distance vehicles connecting the State capital to district headquarters remained off the road more or less as thousands of party workers blocked highways on different locations.
The traffic movement between Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Palamu to Ranchi remained the worst hit, though the police reported no major incident of scuffle. In Ranchi the party workers in large numbers protested at ITI and Khadgarha bus stands from where long distance buses are operated.
Barring few acts of halting auto operations taken place at Harmu Road, Airport Road and near railway station, situation remained normal in Ranchi. Autos plied as usual without causing much ordeal to local passengers. Police detained protesting party workers, including few women and brought them to Birsa Munda stadium, the place designated as camp jail. later in the evening, all the workers got released.
However, the party maintained that the bandh call that had managed support from most of the parties in Opposition namely JMM, Congress, JD-U and the left parties, was highly successful.
“Our workers in large number blocked Ranchi-Tata NH 33 near Sidraul completely that caused long queues of vehicles on both the sides. The bandh remained historic and people supported our call,” said JVM youth wing leader Santosh Kumar.
later, the party’s senior leader Badhu Tirkey reiterated the ‘overwhelming’ support to the call that was due to atrocities allegedly perpetrated by the Government. “We have been saying that this Government is being run through batons and bullets. Numerous incidents of firing on raiyats protesting against illegitimate and unjust land acquisitions have taken place, be it at Badkagaon, Gola or Godda. These all are being done at the behest of the corporate friends of the Government and funded by them. All those who are against the acts and decisions of the Government have been gagged and are put behind the bars. This has caused great deal of resentment and our call received good support,” said Tirkey.
The party is raising its voice against CNT-SPT Act amendments initiated by the Government besides, demanding revocation of domicile policy already in public domain. The Babulal Marandi-headed party has also been protesting against 1600 MW thermal power plant being built by Adani Power in Godda of Santhal Pargana. Party principal general secretary and Poraiyahat MlA Pradeep Yadav has been lodged in jail allegedly for creating troubles near the plant site.
The party maintained that its agitation against land acquisition and domicile issue would go even further. “We would be assessing our strategy now and chalk out future plans very soon. The party is not going to rest,” added Tirkey.