In response to the nationwide call for Bharat Bandh by Bhim Sena and various social organizations over the issue of SC-ST reservation, a mixed reaction was observed in Jamshedpur today. The bandh was supported by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which added momentum to the movement in the region.
Throughout the day, bandh supporters were active on the streets, urging the public to join the protest. In various parts of the city, including major commercial areas, protesters were seen forcibly closing down shops and establishments. The blockade of key entry and exit points leading out of the city significantly disrupted vehicular movement, particularly on NH 33 at Dimna Chowk and Kandrabeda Road. In Baharagora, NH 18 was completely blocked, preventing vehicles from West Bengal and Odisha from entering Jharkhand.
Despite the widespread disruption, essential services, including hospitals, ambulances, and medical stores, were allowed to operate unhindered. Schools in the city remained open, though attendance was reportedly lower than usual due to concerns over safety.
The bandh received support from various social organizations, political parties, and sections of the general public. Protesters aimed to pressure the government into reconsidering its stance on the SC-ST reservation issue. However, not all sectors participated; several major markets and business establishments in Jamshedpur remained open, functioning normally despite the bandh.
Train services and public transportation remained unaffected. Long distance buses from the Sitaramdera bus terminus left for various destinations but with less number of passengers.
A senior functionary of Jharkhand Bus Owners Association said, " The turnout of passengers for various destinations including Ranchi was less today. People avoided travelling because of the bandh call," said Sharma adding that ticket sales for various destinations registered a 40-50 per cent drop.
All trains from Tatanagar railway station left at its scheduled departure time. " We took all precautions to tackle bandh supporters but no one turned up at the railway station. Deployment of RPF and GRP jawans were made in adequate numbers at the station and its circulating areas," said an official at Tatanagar.
Auto-rickshaws and other modes of public transport including city buses and private buses ran on its scheduled routes but their number was less.
Schools, colleges, banks and other business establishments remained open. Pool cars ferrying school children stayed away from roads fearing untoward incidents. " We decided not to ferry school children as we did not want to take risks. We had communicated this to our parents yesterday," said Sunny Singh, a van operator at Sakchi.
Police deployment was made at strategic locations to prevent any untowards incident. Highway patrolling was intensified in the morning. Jharkhand Armed Police personnel were pressed on the National Highway-33 for patrolling between Dimna Chowk to Barabanki, a stretch of about 12 Kms.
