Torch procession ahead of Bharat Bandh demands Sarna Code implementation

Ranchi: On the eve of the scheduled Bharat Bandh and rail-road chakka jam set for December 30, a torch procession illuminated the streets of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. The demonstration, organized to advocate for the implementation of the Sarna Code, drew participation from various tribal organizations, including the Central Sarna Committee, All India Tribal Development Council, Tribal Students Union, and Tribal Sengel Abhiyan.
The torch procession, spanning from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk, was aimed at highlighting the demand for the Sarna Code. Phoolchand Tirkey, the Central President of the Central Sarna Committee, expressed concern that approximately 15 crore nature-worshiping tribals in the country still lack religious identity. The battle for the recognition of Sarna Code has been ongoing for years among tribal communities.
Tirkey emphasized the adverse consequences of the absence of a religious code, asserting that nature-worshiping tribals are facing forced conversions into Hinduism and Christianity. Despite the Prime Minister’s visit to Ulihatu, the birthplace of Lord Birsa Munda, on November 15, there was no mention of the Sarna Dharma Code, further fueling the discontent among the tribal population.