5 days ago
2 tribal groups call state bandh today over Siramtoli flyover ramp
Ranchi: Two major tribal groups — Adivasi Bachao Morcha and Siramtoli Kendriya Sarna Sthal Bachao Morcha — have called for a statewide bandh on Wednesday in protest against the construction of a flyover ramp at Siramtoli, which, according to tribal groups, threatens a sacred Sarna religious site.
The bandh is expected to see widespread support from various indigenous and regional groups across the state. The bandh has also received moral support from the political party, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JDKM). The party's vice-president, Devendra Nath Mahato, announced that a 'Khatiyani Mahadharna' will be held at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday to support the protest.
"We support the bandh and demand chief minister Hemant Soren honour his commitment to tribal rights," Mahato said.
Speaking about the bandh call, Kendriya Sarna Samiti president Bablu Munda said, "The govt is encroaching on our sacred land in the name of development. The Siramtoli Sarna Sthal is not just a place, but our identity."
Other protesters alleged that the construction violates the constitutional protections of tribal land and spiritual heritage under the PESA Act and other legal safeguards. The bandh would highlight broader concerns, including the functioning of the Tribes Advisory Council, misuse of land bank policies, neglect of tribal language and culture and alleged encroachments on tribal areas, they claimed.
Premshahi Munda, the convenor of Adivasi Bachao Morcha, added, "We are not only opposing the ramp at Siramtoli but also against the larger pattern of forced land acquisition and continued erosion of tribal rights across Jharkhand — from Parasnath to Pithoria."
Meanwhile, authorities have announced measures to prevent any disruption of essential services. "Police forces will be deployed across sensitive areas. We will also ensure that emergency services, including hospitals, ambulances and medicine shops are not obstructed," Ranchi SDM Utkarsh Kumar said.
