PATNA: Tension briefly prevailed in Siwan on Saturday during the 'Bihar Bandh' called over the alleged NEET paper leak, after an altercation broke out between protesters and the police over attempts to block roads.
The situation was brought under control following the intervention of Superintendent of Police (SP) Puran Kumar Jha, who held discussions with the protesters and persuaded them to continue their demonstration peacefully.
The impact of the bandh was visible across Siwan, where supporters marched through major roads while attempting to halt traffic and persuade markets to shut down.
Police personnel intervened and advised the protesters not to completely block public roads, stating that such actions would inconvenience commuters and emergency services.
The intervention led to a heated argument, with protesters alleging that the administration was attempting to disrupt what they described as a peaceful demonstration.
Police officials, however, maintained that while peaceful protests were being allowed, disruption of public life and obstruction of roads would not be permitted.
As the situation became tense, additional police personnel were rushed to the spot.
SP Puran Kumar Jha personally supervised the situation, held talks with the protesters, and convinced them to proceed along a designated route.
Following the discussions, the crowd dispersed peacefully, restoring normalcy in the area.
In view of the bandh, extensive security arrangements were made throughout Siwan.
Heavy police deployment was visible at major intersections, the railway station, the bus stand, and other sensitive locations.
Police teams continued patrolling the city to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the maintenance of law and order.
As a precaution, several private school buses remained off the roads, while some shopkeepers delayed opening their businesses until the situation became clear.
The police administration stated that the law-and-order situation in Siwan remained under control and appealed to residents not to pay attention to rumours or unverified information circulating on social media.
Officials reiterated that peaceful protests are a democratic right but urged demonstrators to ensure that public convenience and essential services are not disrupted.
Amid the demonstrations in Siwan, one student attracted public attention by appearing dressed as a cockroach, using the unusual costume as a symbolic form of protest.
The demonstration also witnessed another brief verbal exchange between protesters and administrative officials regarding the manner and timing of concluding the protest before the situation was peacefully resolved.
The impact of the Bihar Bandh was also visible in several other districts.
In Gaya, protesters affiliated with AISA and RYA organised marches and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while protesting the alleged paper leak, the condition of the education system, and recent police action against students.
Police deployed additional personnel at railway stations, bus stands, and major intersections.
Although some markets were partially affected, essential services continued to function normally.
In Madhepura, police detained several students during demonstrations organised by bandh supporters.
Officials stated that the action was taken as a precautionary measure to maintain public order.
In Jehanabad and Patna, police carried out flag marches in sensitive areas to reassure residents and demonstrate preparedness.
Security personnel remained deployed across key locations, while authorities maintained close surveillance to prevent any disturbances.
Authorities across Bihar have continued to emphasise that peaceful demonstrations will be permitted in accordance with the law, while warning that any attempt to indulge in violence, vandalism, or obstruction of public services will invite strict legal action.
