Jamshedpur Bandh: NDA Protest Against Himanshu Singh Murder Shuts Markets, Disrupts Normal Life
Jamshedpur, July 3: The NDA-called bandh against the murder of Karni Sena leader Himanshu Singh and the alleged deterioration in the law and…
Jamshedpur, July 3: The NDA-called bandh against the murder of Karni Sena leader Himanshu Singh and the alleged deterioration in the law and order situation evoked a widespread response across Jamshedpur on Friday, with major markets remaining closed and traffic thinning across the city.
Bandh supporters staged demonstrations at several locations, while heavy police deployment ensured that no major untoward incident was reported till the time of filing this report.
Markets Shut, Protesters Fan Out Across City
BJP leaders and workers, along with NDA allies, spread out across Sakchi, Bistupur, Mango, Jugsalai, Sidhgora, Parsudih and Adityapur from early morning, urging traders to keep their establishments closed and appealing to commuters to support the shutdown.
Adityapur, the residence of slain Karni Sena leader Himanshu Singh, witnessed a particularly strong response.
Torchlight rallies were organised across the steel city on Thursday evening as part of the NDA’s campaign ahead of the bandh.
Tight Security Across Sensitive Areas
The district administration made elaborate security arrangements, deploying more than 1,200 police personnel along with magistrates at sensitive locations, major intersections and commercial hubs to maintain law and order.
Newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police Ehtesham Waqarib (IPS) conducted a late-night motorcycle flag march through Sakchi and Bistupur on Thursday to review security preparedness and direct officers to remain vigilant.
Authorities remained on high alert throughout the day to prevent any disruption.
Police Detentions Draw Criticism
As a precautionary measure, police detained several leaders, including former BJP leader Vikas Singh, while a few prominent political figures were placed under house arrest.
The move drew criticism from bandh supporters, who alleged that the administration was trying to suppress the protest.
Protesters Target State Government Over Crime
Demonstrators raised slogans against the state government and the police, alleging a sharp deterioration in the city’s law and order situation.
They claimed criminals no longer feared the law and alleged that the murder of Himanshu Singh, reportedly committed in the presence of police personnel, had intensified public anger.
Senior BJP leaders were expected to join protests at various locations during the day.
Situation Remains Peaceful
Despite the widespread shutdown, the situation remained peaceful but tense. Markets stayed closed, normal life was partially affected, and the administration continued to closely monitor developments as the bandh progressed.
