TOI reported that the worst impact of the 2 day bandh called by the CPI (Maoist) to protest Op Lalgarh by security forces in West Bengal is likely to be on Jharkhand's business community. According to rough estimates, the total loss to industries, trade and commerce due to the bandh is expected to be between INR 150 crore and INR 200 crore.
Members of Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the impact of the bandh would be more this time than any other bandhs in the past given continued violence resorted to by the Red brigade in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
FJCCI member said "Earlier the loss we suffered during a day's bandh would be between INR 25 crore and INR 30 crore as movement of raw materials and finished goods would be adversely affected in some pockets. If a vehicle crossed the state border then there would be no disturbance."
However, this time the situation is different given that the rebels have called bandhs in 5 states. What has made matters worse is that the Maoists have been resorting to violence for the last 2 weeks.
Given the spate of attacks carried out by the rebels, the FJCCI members have asked business houses, traders and transporters not to risk lives of their employees, workers and truck drivers during the bandh hours.
Mr Suresh Sonthali VP of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry & FJCCI member said the maximum impact of the bandh would be on mining, transport and small scale industry. Mr Sonthali said "Mining activities in all mines of Singhbhum region have come to a standstill. Not a single ounce of iron ore has been lifted. Truck and trailer operators have stopped lifting ore and finished products from over 700 small and medium scale units located in Aditypaur industrial area."
Sources in mining industry said that the loss is estimated to be between INR 75 crore and INR 100 crore during the 2 day bandh. The loss to transportation sector is expected to be between INR 25 crore and INR 50 crore. Sources in Central Coalfields Limited said lifting of coal by trucks was also hampered in Hazaribag and adjoining areas due to the Maoist bandh.
