CM Soren backs Assam’s tribal community
Tinsukia (Assam), Feb 1: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday strongly reaffirmed that Jharkhand will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the tribal community of Assam in their joys and struggles, asserting that unity remains the strongest identity of indigenous societies. Addressing the 21st Adivasi Mahasabha–2026 organised by the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam in Tinsukia, the Chief Minister said the pain, challenges and aspirations of tribal people living outside Jharkhand are deeply connected with the state’s own history and ethos.
Interacting closely with members of the tribal community who have been residing in Assam for nearly 150 years, Soren said Jharkhand’s bond with them is rooted in a shared legacy of struggle, sacrifice and resistance.
He recalled the unparalleled contribution of tribal heroes such as Birsa Munda, Sidho-Kanhu and Tilka Manjhi in India’s freedom movement, noting that tribal communities were among the first to confront British colonial rule to protect their land, forests and identity.
The Chief Minister expressed concern that despite constitutional safeguards and decades of independence, tribal, Dalit, backward and marginalised communities continue to fight for their rightful recognition and entitlements.
He said serious introspection is needed to understand why indigenous communities across the country are still being pushed to the margins. Emphasising that economic and intellectual empowerment is key, he cautioned against divisive forces that weaken social unity for vested interests.
Highlighting Jharkhand’s governance model, Soren said his government has worked relentlessly to ensure that welfare schemes reach the poorest households, including those who had never stepped into government offices earlier. He underlined that within five years, the state has made tangible progress by taking governance to villages, hamlets and tolas.
Soren said Jharkhand today is one of the biggest contributors to the national economy, and the state now seeks fair value for its resources. He pointed out that Jharkhand, under an Adivasi Chief Minister, made a historic mark at the World Economic Forum, taking the state’s voice to the global stage. Stressing women empowerment, he said nearly 55 lakh women receive Rs 2,500 every month under the Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana, a model now being emulated by other states.
The Chief Minister assured that if the need arises, the entire tribal society of Jharkhand will stand united in support of Adivasis living in Assam.
