Tribal activists took to the streets across Jharkhand on January 17 to enforce a bandh. The protest was in response to the killing of village head Soma Munda earlier this month in Khunti. Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads in tribal-heavy districts like Khunti, Simdega, Chaibasa, and Gumla. Shops remained closed and public transport stopped. Schools also shut down in many areas. However, in Ranchi, markets and businesses stayed open, and people continued to go to work. The state police deployed extra security to keep peace, especially in Ranchi. Laxmi Narayan Munda, a tribal leader, said, "Over 20 tribal organisations are participating in the bandh today. We seek justice for Soma Munda." Soma Munda was the traditional head of 22 villages and was shot dead on January 7 after a land dispute in Jiarappa village. Adivasi Ulgulan Manch convener Alastair Bodra said police arrests were an "eyewash" and demanded the immediate arrest of the main accused, who remain missing. Police said seven people have been arrested so far. Soma Munda had also contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Khunti on an Abua Jharkhand Party ticket.