Jamshedpur, Feb 21: Ranchi MP Ram Tahal Choudhary today gave a clarion call to the Kurmis of the state to intensify agitation in support of their demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
Addressing a huge gathering on the occasion of a picnic-cum-get-together programme of Adivasi Kurmi Samaj in Joyda under Chandil block, Choudhary said the members of Kurmi community need to be aware of their rights. He said the Kurmis had long been demanding Scheduled Tribe status, but the successive governments have denied them their rightful till date.
Also present on the occasion, Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato said a private member Bill had been tabled in the Lok Sabha for including Kurmis in the ST category. He said earlier Kurmis were included in the ST category. He further demanded that displacement victims be given 10 per cent reservation in the state government jobs.
Tundi MLA Jagannath Mahato said only those political parties that support the cause of Kurmis will rule the state.
Ichagarh MLA Sadhucharan Mahato said the Kurmis were excluded from ST category as a result of a conspiracy.
Among others present on the occasion included Astik Mahato, Upen Chandra Mahato, Bhuvneshwar Mahato, Dilip Mahato, Subodh Mahato and Uday Krishna Mahato.