Demolish ramp near Sarna Sthal: Tribals

Ranchi: Ahead of the Sarhul celebrations scheduled on Tuesday, tribal communities protested at Siromtoli Chowk on Sunday, demanding the demolition of a ramp at Siromtoli flyover for reportedly creating inconveniences in the approach path to Sarna Sthal.
The Ranchi district authorities barricaded the approach road to the flyover and deployed forces, anticipating tribal groups' march to the site. Later in the evening, hundreds of people broke the barricades and sat in protest on the flyover.
Ranchi SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha said the forces were deployed to ensure safety and security in and around the Sarna Sthal ahead of the Sarhul celebrations.
The president of Kendriya Sarna Samiti, Babloo Munda said, "Authorities have to demolish the ramp at the site as it has been obstructing the approach way to the Sarna Sthal and harming the prestige and grandeur of our sacred site. We will fight till our demands are met ."
He alleged that the authorities concerned did not hold any discussions with them before starting the construction works on the flyover.
The authorities partially demolished the ramp on Saturday, removing a 30-foot section in response to tribal groups' demands.
However, the tribals said that they wanted a permanent solution to the problem. Protestor Kartik Munda said, "The construction of the ramp has narrowed the approach road to the Sarna Sthal. As lakhs of devotees come to the sacred place to celebrate Sarhul, it can lead to mishaps. We are sticking to our demand for total demolition of the ramp."
Tribal outfits under the Siramtoli Sarna Sthal Bachao Morcha would discuss the issue among the tribal outfits on April 5. Therafter, they would launch a state-wide protest against the construction of the ramp.
The outfit on March 22 called a Ranchi bandh, disrupting normal lives as supporters blocked roads, burnt tyres and raised slogans across the city.