Baripada: A two-day shutdown called by tribal organisations over the arrest of 34 tribals following a violent clash with police, disrupted life in Bamanghati sub-division of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Friday.
The shutdown by Mayurbhanj Adivasi Ekta Manch began at 6 am today and will continue till 6 am on March 22. It has received support from various political and tribal groups, including BJD, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress.
According to sources, shops downed shutters, vehicles went off the roads and education remained shut at Bamanghati. The agitators, who also picketed in Rairangpur, have vowed to continue the agitation til their demand for unconditional release of the arrested tribals is met.
On March 14, 34 people, including 27 women, were arrested in connection with violence during a road blockade over alleged harassment of a tribal girl in Bahalda block. Enraged villagers had blocked National Highway 220 near Murmu Chhak, demanding the arrest of the accused. The protest escalated when police and officials, including Bahalda tehsildar, arrived to mediate and clear the highway. Clashes ensued, with protesters pelting stones, attacking officers and vandalising and overturning the tehsildar’s official vehicle.
Following the clash, police also conducted a flag march in the area to restore order and prevent further unrest.
On Thursday, the BJD had also urged the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to take cognisance of the alleged molestation of the girl and atrocities against tribal women in the state.
