Ranchi Experiences Tension Amid Tribal Conflict During Sarhul Festival, CM Hemant Soren Faces Protests
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Synopsis
Tension rose in Ranchi's Sirmatoli during the Sarhul festival due to a clash between tribal groups protesting against CM Hemant Soren. Demonstrators displayed black flags, leading to confrontations, while officials worked to control the situation. The protests are linked to ongoing demands over a flyover ramp construction near the sacred site.
Key Takeaways
- CM Hemant Soren faced protests during Sarhul festival.
- Conflict arose between two tribal factions in Sirmatoli.
- Demonstrators expressed dissent by displaying black flags.
- Police and officials managed to control the situation.
- The construction of a flyover ramp has been a contentious issue.
Ranchi, April 1 (NationPress) - Tension enveloped Sirmatoli in Ranchi on Tuesday afternoon during the Sarhul festival, which is the most significant celebration for the tribal community, following a clash between two tribal factions.
The turmoil erupted when a faction of demonstrators waved black flags and donned black bands around their heads to voice their dissent against Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his spouse, Kalpana Soren, as they arrived for prayers at the primary Sarna Sthal (place of worship).
The unrest originated from a prolonged protest by tribal groups seeking the removal of a flyover ramp being constructed near the Sirmatoli Sarna Sthal.
As protesters showed their black flags, another tribal group contested their actions, resulting in heated disputes and a brief physical confrontation.
Officials from the police and administration, including Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha, and SDO Utkarsh Kumar, were present and successfully managed to deescalate the situation.
Despite the chaos, the CM and his wife conducted the puja under strict security measures and later participated in a Sarhul event at a tribal hostel.
The protest was spearheaded by former Minister Geetashree Oraon, whose supporters wore black headbands.
However, this demonstration faced strong backlash from Ajay Tirkey, leader of the Central Sarna Committee of Ranchi, who accused certain factions within the tribal community of intentionally stirring up controversy during the festival, asserting that the BJP was instigating the discord.
He also noted that CM Soren had previously taken steps to reposition the flyover ramp further from the Sarna Sthal, yet the matter was being politicized.
Sirmatoli is home to the largest Sarna Sthal in Ranchi, a location of great spiritual importance where large processions from across the area gather annually for Sarhul.
The protesting tribal groups contend that the ongoing construction of the flyover ramp near the Sarna Sthal will hinder religious activities, including Sarhul, as it has diminished the space leading to the sacred area. They claim this encroachment constitutes an assault on their beliefs and traditions.
In response to the unrest, the district administration had decided five days earlier to reduce the ramp's length and has since demolished a substantial portion of it. Nevertheless, tensions continue to run high.
On March 30, a group led by Oraon breached police barricades while insisting on the ramp's total removal. An FIR has been filed at Chutia police station against 21 individuals, including Oraon.
