Ranchi, Jan 17 (AHN) The Jharkhand bandh called by various tribal organisations on Saturday to protest the killing of tribal leader Padha Raja Soma Munda witnessed a mixed response across the state, with normal life disrupted in some districts due to road and highway blockades.

From early morning, protesters took to the streets in Khunti, Chaibasa, Ranchi and nearby areas, severely affecting vehicular movement. Several key routes were blocked, causing inconvenience to commuters.

The worst impact was reported on the Jamshedpur–Ranchi National Highway, where traffic came to a complete standstill near the Bundu toll plaza.

Around 11 a.m., protesters reached the toll plaza and began demonstrations, leading to a massive traffic jam on both sides of the highway. Thousands of vehicles were stranded, and the blockade continued for nearly five hours. During this period, only ambulances and army vehicles were allowed to pass.

Passengers trapped in the jam faced severe hardship, particularly due to a shortage of food and drinking water, as most shops in the Bundu Nagar Panchayat area remained closed for the bandh. Children, the elderly and sick passengers were among the worst affected. Traffic movement resumed only around 3.20 p.m. after the protesters dispersed.

As the situation escalated, the district administration intervened. Bundu Sub-Divisional Magistrate Christopher Kumar Besra, Deputy Superintendent of Police Om Prakash, Station House Officer Ramkumar Verma and Circle Officer Hans Hembrum reached the spot along with police personnel and held continuous discussions with the protesters. After nearly five hours of persuasion, the blockade was lifted.

In Khunti district headquarters, protesters hit the streets early in the morning and enforced a complete shutdown of markets. Similar protests were reported from Ranchi, where traffic was blocked at Karam Toli Chowk, Ratu Road and several other locations.

In a memorandum submitted to the administration, the protesters demanded a government job for a family member of Soma Munda, trial and punishment of the accused through a fast-track court, and compensation of Rs 5 crore.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate said the demands would be forwarded to the state government.

Tribal leader Soma Munda was shot dead near the Jamuwadag area of Khunti district on January 7. Police have so far arrested seven accused in the case and cited a land dispute as the motive behind the murder.

A bandh was also observed in Khunti on January 8 in protest against the incident, which had a widespread impact.

However, tribal organisations have alleged that the failure to arrest the main shooter and the alleged mastermind behind the crime raises serious concerns. They warned that the agitation would be intensified if concrete action is not taken soon.

Meanwhile, the administration appealed to the public to maintain law and order, assuring that the investigation is ongoing and all those responsible will be brought to justice.