Munda pays tribute to Kharsawan Martyrs, urges State to act on memorial plans
Jamshedpur: Former Chief Minister and Union Minister Arjun Munda visited the Martyr’s Vedi on Wednesday to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Kharsawan shooting in Saraikela district. During his visit, he paid respects to those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and reflected on the significance of the memorial.
Speaking to the media, Arjun Munda emphasized the importance of starting the new year by honoring the martyrs. “Paying homage to the martyrs at the beginning of the year is a source of inspiration,” he said. He recalled the challenges he faced during his tenure in renovating and beautifying the site, transforming it into a place of inspiration. Thousands of people now visit this site every New Year’s Day to honor their ancestors and draw motivation from their sacrifices.
Munda highlighted the efforts undertaken during his tenure to restore the dignity of the site. “The area used to host a haat (market), which undermined the sanctity of the martyr’s memorial. After becoming an MLA and later the Chief Minister, I prioritized the beautification of this site despite the challenges,” he said. The site now stands as a symbol of respect and remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives.
The Union Minister criticized the administration for its lack of sensitivity in preserving the sanctity of the martyr’s site. Despite the declaration of seven days of state mourning, banners and posters of political parties have been displayed in various locations, which Munda termed as disrespectful. He urged the state government to take inspiration from the Indian government’s efforts to honor martyrs, such as marking the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
When questioned about the lack of recognition for the martyrs of the Kharsawan shooting even after the formation of Jharkhand, Munda explained the historical complexities. “At the time of the incident, this area was under Orissa. Later, it became part of Bihar, and the records are scattered or missing. The previous governments did not address this issue seriously. However, the Indian government has now taken the initiative,” he stated. He urged the state government to use local resources to compile a list of martyrs and suggested forming a commission to ensure their due recognition and respect.
The event was attended by BJP state spokesperson JB Tubid, former MLA Mangal Singh Soy, former Chakradharpur MLA Shashi Bhushan Samad, district president Uday Singh Dev, former district president Ramnath Mahto, BJP leaders Vijay Mahto, Ratan Mahto, Amresh Goswami, Sanjay Sardar, and Jitendra Rai, among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the collective commitment to honoring the martyrs of Kharsawan.
