Farmers Movement Archive

Bandh paralyses Dhanbad, Koderma & Palamu remain unaffected

Sindri/Chatra/Koderma/Garhwa/Daltonganj: The Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions affected normal life in Dhanbad on Tuesday. Bandh supporters blocked traffic at more than a dozen spots and tyre burning was also reported from several places. In Sindri, supporters of the Left parties were seen threatening vegetable sellers in a bid to enforce the bandh. Jharia Congress MLA Purnima Singh and district Congress president Brajendra Singh led the demonstration at Randhir Verma square in Dhanbad, while JMM supporters blocked GT Road near Subhash Chowk in Govindpur. “Why is the Centre not repealing the farm laws despite the agitation by farmers,” asked Purnima Singh. In some areas, citizens could be seen requesting bandh supporters to not block ambulances and vehicles used by marriage parties. Police also escorted these vehicles at a few places. The Sealdah-bound Rajdhani express train left Dhanbad at the right time under heavy police protection. In Chatra, NH-99 and NH-100, which are considered lifelines of the district, wore a deserted look since early morning. Coal transportation from mining projects in Piparwar and Tandwa, too, suffered in the wake of the bandh, said an official. Bandh supporters also disrupted work at an under-construction power plant of NTPC in Tandwa. Protesters blocked the busy Kesri Chowk, forcing business establishments to down shutters till noon. In Gumla and Lohardaga, protesters blocked Patel Chowk in the morning, thereby halting traffic along NH-78. Bauxite mining operations were hit in both the districts. No effect of the bandh, however, was felt in Koderma and Palamu, while the Ranka Mor in Garhwa town was blocked by protesters forcing several vehicles on NH-75 and NH-343 to remain stranded for hours.

The Times of India

2020-12-09

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