KKN Gurugram Desk | A statewide bandh (shutdown) was observed across Jharkhand today as tribal organizations protested the construction of a flyover ramp near the Kendriya Sarna Sthal, a sacred site for indigenous communities in Ranchi. The protest, led by groups including the Adivasi Bachao Morcha and the Siramtoli Kendriya Sarna Sthal Bachao Morcha, aimed to halt the ongoing construction, which they claim encroaches upon religious land and threatens tribal cultural heritage.

Background: The Controversy Over the Siramtoli Flyover Ramp

The dispute centers around a 2.34-kilometer elevated road project, including a 132-meter stretch over a railway line, intended to connect Siramtoli to Mecon Chowk to alleviate traffic congestion in Ranchi. However, tribal groups argue that the ramp’s construction infringes upon the Kendriya Sarna Sthal, a site of significant religious importance established in the 1960s by tribal leader Kartik Oraon. They contend that the proximity of the ramp—leaving only a 14-foot gap—obstructs access to the site, particularly during major festivals like Sarhul, when thousands gather for processions and rituals.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has intervened, directing the Jharkhand government to halt construction activities near the site pending further investigation. NCST member Asha Lakra emphasized the legal and cultural significance of the location, stating that construction cannot proceed during an ongoing investigation under Article 338A (8) of the Constitution.

The Bandh: Statewide Impact and Public Response

The bandh, effective from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., saw significant participation in tribal-dominated regions, particularly in Ranchi and its surrounding areas. Protesters, carrying Sarna flags and placards, blocked key roads including the Ranchi-Daltonganj Road near Biju Para, Kanke-Patratu Road, and Khelgaon Chowk. Markets remained closed, and public transport services were disrupted, leading to long queues of stranded vehicles.

In districts like Ramgarh and Latehar, major highways such as the Ranchi-Hazaribagh National Highway and NH-39 were blocked, causing significant traffic disruptions. Protesters emphasized the peaceful nature of the bandh, appealing to citizens and shopkeepers for cooperation while urging the government to address their concerns.

Broader Demands: Protection of Tribal Rights and Heritage

Beyond the immediate issue of the flyover ramp, tribal organizations have raised broader concerns regarding the protection of tribal rights and heritage. Key demands include:

• Implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA): Tribal groups urge the full implementation of PESA to empower gram sabhas (village councils) in decision-making processes, particularly concerning land acquisition and development projects in tribal areas.

• Recognition of Sarna Religion: There is a longstanding demand for the inclusion of a separate Sarna religion code in the national census to acknowledge the distinct religious identity of tribal communities.

• Protection of Religious Sites: Tribal leaders call for the preservation of sacred sites like Marang Buru, Luguburu, and Mudhar Pahad, emphasizing their cultural and spiritual significance.

• Opposition to Land Encroachments: Concerns have been raised about the encroachment of tribal lands under various pretexts, including the establishment of land banks and the promotion of liquor outlets in tribal areas.

Government Response and Security Measures

In response to the bandh, the state administration deployed additional police forces across sensitive areas to maintain law and order. Ranchi DIG and SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha confirmed heightened security measures and assured that emergency services, including hospitals and ambulances, would remain operational. Authorities urged protesters to express their views peacefully and warned against any attempts to disrupt public order.

Political Support and Future Actions

The bandh has garnered support from various political entities, including the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) and the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JDKM). BAP state president Prem Shahi Munda criticized the state government’s approach, accusing it of violating tribal rights and displaying an authoritarian attitude. JDKM’s vice-president, Devendra Nath Mahato, announced plans for a ‘Khatiyani Mahadharna’ demonstration at the Raj Bhavan to further press their demands.

The June 4 bandh underscores the ongoing tensions between development initiatives and the preservation of tribal rights and heritage in Jharkhand. As the state continues to pursue infrastructure projects, the concerns of indigenous communities regarding cultural preservation and legal rights remain at the forefront. The resolution of the Siramtoli flyover ramp dispute will likely serve as a bellwether for future engagements between the government and tribal populations in the region.