Hundreds of protesters were detained at different places across the state on Thursday during the one-day Jharkhand bandh call given by the joint opposition against the amendments to the land acquisition Bill brought in by the BJP-led state government. The amendments provide for waiving-off a social impact assessment for specific projects of public interest. The opposition has criticised the amendment saying it could lead to corporates easily acquiring land.
The state administration had made adequate arrangements like installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of thousands of troops on the ground. Most schools remained closed even though the administration had appealed to keep them open.
ADG (Operations) and Jharkhand police spokesperson R K Mallick said: “So far, more than 500 people have been detained. Rail traffic was temporarily stopped at one place in Sahebganj. Protesters tried to block trains, but were removed. Forces and senior officials are on the ground. We are keeping a close watch.”
In Ranchi, personnel was deployed at Albert Ekka Chowk, while senior…