Overview

• On June 4, tribal groups enforced a statewide bandh that closed markets and blocked major roads including the Ranchi-Daltonganj route and highways near Tatisilwai, Kanke, Ratu, Ormanjhi and Mandar, leaving public transport largely paralysed.
• Protesters demand the immediate dismantling of the Siram Toli ramp near Sarna Sthal, arguing it obstructs festival access and violates tribal land protections under the PESA Act.
• The contested ramp is part of a Rs 340-crore, 2.34-kilometre elevated road project launched in August 2022 to connect Siram Toli with Mecon via a 132-metre stretch over railway tracks.
• Demonstrations intensified after a torchlight procession on June 3 by Adivasi Bachao Morcha and Siramtoli Sarna Sthal Bachao Morcha, with tribal regions across Jharkhand joining the shutdown.
• Ranchi DIG and SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha confirmed additional forces have been deployed at sensitive locations and warned that any attempt to disrupt public order will invite firm action.