Among those present were Jharkhand’s Minister for Revenue, Land Reforms, and Transport, Deepak Birua, along with Deputy Commissioner Chandan Kumar, Superintendent of Police Amit Renu, Zila Parishad President Lakshmi Soren, Deputy Development Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Meena, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Praveen Kerketta. The solemn occasion also saw participation from various administrative officials, local police, and members of social organizations, all joining to honor the legacy of ‘Dharti Aba’.

Minister Deepak Birua addressed the gathering, emphasizing the pride associated with reaching the 25-year milestone for the state, coinciding with Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary. He likened the state’s 25 years to the prime of youth, underscoring the collective responsibility for its ongoing development and progress. The Minister reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to empowering Jharkhand’s residents and fostering self-reliance across the region.

The day concluded with heartfelt wishes extended to all citizens for the 25th Jharkhand Foundation Day by the minister, deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, and other officials.

The protests stem from a violent clash that occurred Monday night in Chaibasa. Protesters demanding a ‘no entry’ rule on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road had surrounded the residence of Transport Minister Deepak Birua. Tensions escalated at Tambo Chowk between protesters and police, forcing law enforcement to use lathi charges and tear gas to control the situation. The crowd responded with stone-pelting, injuring 11 police personnel, including an SDPО, and several protesters. Police have filed an FIR against 74 named individuals and 500 unknown persons, leading to the arrest of 15 people, including five women.

The BJP has intensified its opposition, labeling the police action an ‘inhumane act’ by the government. Conversely, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda of instigating the public during the bandh. The JMM contends that the authority to implement ‘no entry’ on national highways rests with the Central government, not the district or state administration.

Due to the ongoing Ghatshila Assembly by-election, East Singhbhum was exempted from the 12-hour shutdown, with essential services remaining operational. Consequently, the bandh had minimal effect in that region, unlike in West Singhbhum where normal life was thoroughly disrupted.

The BJP has intensified its protest, condemning the police action as ‘inhumane’ and an ‘anti-tribal’ move. Conversely, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda of inciting the public during the bandh. The JMM argues that the authority to implement ‘no entry’ rules on national highways rests with the central government, not the state or district administration. The 12-hour bandh call did not significantly impact East Singhbhum due to the ongoing Ghatshila Assembly by-election, where essential services were exempted. However, life in West Singhbhum came to a standstill.

The protest stems from a violent clash that occurred on Monday night in Chaibasa. Villagers had surrounded the residence of Transport Minister Deepak Birua, demanding a ‘no entry’ policy on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road. Tensions escalated at Tambo Chowk, forcing the police to resort to a lathi charge and use tear gas to control the situation. Protesters also engaged in stone-pelting towards the police. This violent confrontation resulted in injuries to 11 police personnel, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), and several agitators. The police have registered an FIR against 74 named individuals and 500 unknown persons, apprehending 15, including five women.

The BJP intensified its protest, calling for the Kolhan Bandh and strongly criticizing the government’s ‘inhumane action’ on social media and the streets. Conversely, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) accused former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Madhu Koda of instigating people regarding the bandh. The JMM argues that the authority to implement ‘no entry’ on national highways rests with the Central Government, not the district or state administration.

Due to the ongoing Ghatsila Assembly by-election, East Singhbhum was exempt from the 12-hour shutdown, with essential services granted concessions. Consequently, the bandh had minimal impact in that area, whereas normal life in West Singhbhum was completely paralyzed.

The explosion also injured two other personnel: Inspector Kaushal Kumar Mishra and ASI Ramkrishna Gagrai. Both are currently undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Rourkela. Reports indicate that their conditions are now stable and out of danger. ASI Ramkrishna Gagrai is notably the brother of Kharsawan MLA Dashrath Gagrai. CRPF officials have assured that the injured personnel are receiving the best possible medical care and vowed that Head Constable Lashkar’s sacrifice would not be in vain. Following the incident, security forces have intensified their search operations in the area, pursuing Maoist elements believed to be responsible.

The IED explosion took place around 4 PM on Friday as security forces were conducting a search operation in the Naxal-affected region. The blast occurred due to a pre-planted IED by Maoists. An exchange of fire was also reported in the vicinity after the explosion. This incident is part of a disturbing trend, as the Saranda region has witnessed an increase in IED blasts over the past few months. In August, two CRPF Cobra Battalion personnel were injured in a similar blast, and in March, a sub-inspector died from injuries sustained in an IED attack. In April, a Jharkhand Jaguar jawan was also martyred in an IED explosion.