J’KHAND BANDH TODAY LIKELY TO HIT NORMAL LIFE

The opposition parties’ call for Jharkhand bandh on Monday is set to impact normal life in the state. The bandh has been called against incidents of police firing on villagers in Hazaribag and Khunti this month.

Seven people lost their lives in police firing in the last three months. One person was killed and several others were injured in Khunti on Saturday when police fired on protestors trying to join a rally in Ranchi. On October 1, four persons were killed in Hazaribag’s Chirudih area in police firing where villagers were protesting NTPC’s land acquisition. On August 29, two people were killed in Ramgarh’s Gola area.

Bus and truck owners have joined the strike and several schools in Ranchi have declared a holiday. The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) — had appealed the opposition parties to withdraw the stir due to Diwali rush.

Rejecting FJCCI’s appeal, political parties have asked traders to keep their shop shut and said parties would not be liable for any damage. The police, however, have assured security to public services. “An alert has been issued. Districts have been asked to take preventive measures and ensure safety of road, rail and transportation,” inspector general (IG), MS Bhatia, Jharkhand police spokesperson said.