Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], June 5 (ANI):
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed Siramtoli Flyover in Ranchi and announced that the flyover would be named after late Kartik Oraon, a revered leader known for championing the rights and dignity of the tribal community.
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Soren stated, “We have decided to name this flyover after late Kartik Oraon, who was a guide and revolutionary of our state. This flyover will benefit the people of the city and the state.”
He also shared an aerial view of the flyover on social media platform X, writing, “Today, the Siramtoli flyover has been dedicated to the people of Jharkhand, including Ranchi, in the name of our leading guide Kartik Oraon ji.”
The announcement, however, comes amid rising tensions. On Wednesday, several tribal community outfits staged protests against the construction of the Siramtoli-Mecon flyover ramp, which is located near Sarna Sthal, a sacred tribal site. Demonstrations were reported in Tatisilwai, a rural area of Ranchi district. Protesters called for the removal of the ramp, arguing that the structure violates the sanctity of the religious site.
In anticipation of further unrest, security has been tightened across Ranchi, especially ahead of a Bandh (shutdown) called by tribal groups to oppose the flyover’s construction near Sarna Sthal.
Criticism has also emerged from opposition leaders. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pratul Shah Deo strongly condemned the Hemant Soren-led government, questioning its commitment to tribal welfare. “This government calls itself a government for tribals, but today the tribal community is protesting on the roads and has called for a bandh,” said Deo.
He urged the Chief Minister to engage directly with the protesting community. “The Chief Minister has forgotten ‘Raj-Dharma’. He should meet the tribal community and resolve this issue,” he added while speaking to ANI.
The flyover, while aimed at easing traffic congestion in Ranchi, has now become a focal point of political and cultural tensions, highlighting the sensitive intersection of infrastructure development and tribal rights. (ANI)
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