A 12-hour bandh called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday brought the Kolhan region to a near-complete halt, with markets closed, public transport suspended, and major roads deserted across West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts. Protesters blocked key intersections by burning tyres and enforced the shutdown in solidarity with tribal demonstrators allegedly subjected to police lathi-charge and tear gas during a protest in Chaibasa on Monday night. Schools and colleges reported negligible attendance, while shops and business establishments remained shuttered throughout the day.

The shutdown was triggered by Monday's violent dispersal of villagers marching toward the residence of Jharkhand Transport Minister Deepak Birua to submit a memorandum demanding a daytime ban on heavy vehicles on NH-220 and NH-75E. Residents have long protested the high incidence of fatal accidents caused by iron ore-laden trucks traversing densely populated areas, claiming over 150 deaths in the past year alone. The police action, which resulted in a stampede and multiple injuries, led to arrests and widespread condemnation, prompting the BJP and tribal organisations to call for the bandh.

Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda and his wife, Geeta Koda, joined BJP workers and tribal groups on the streets, appealing for public support and amplifying demands for road safety reforms. The protest underscored deep-seated frustration over unaddressed infrastructure hazards on vital trade corridors linking Jharkhand to Odisha and West Bengal. BJP leaders accused the Hemant Soren-led JMM government of using excessive force and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.

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With the bandh concluding at 6 p.m., authorities deployed additional security to prevent escalation, and normalcy is expected to resume Thursday. The action highlights growing tribal discontent and political tensions in the mineral-rich region ahead of local elections, as both ruling and opposition parties vie to address longstanding safety and development concerns.

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