Ranchi, May 26: The two-day Jharkhand bandh by pro-domicile groups, which began here today evoked a mixed response as tight security was in place to maintain peace. The bandh is in protest against the state government's decision to start the recruitment process without framing a local policy. There was no report of any violence from across the state till noon and nine AJSU (Kachhap group) activists were arrested from Pakur for trying to enforce the bandh, the police said.

Schools and colleges remained closed due to vacation. While vehicular traffic was normal, most of the shops downed shutters in the capital town of Ranchi. However, the president of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Gulshan Lal Ajmani has asked traders to keep open their respective business as there were adequate security arrangements.

Five companies of CRPF, two of Jharkhand armed police, one of CISF, RAF personnel and 500 additional personnel have been deployed to thwart any law and order problem and disruption of teachers' recruitment test tomorrow. Leaders of pro-domicile Jharkhand front and Adivasi Moolvasi Janadhikar Manch have already been taken into custody after they announced that they would not allow the test to be held. Police had also led a three-day crackdown on bandh supporters across the state.


The administration has asked the test candidates to seek police help in case they faced problems in reaching their respective examination Centres and would be dropped at the place from where they were picked up by the police, official sources here said.


Bureau Report