Tribals still deprived even after 25 years of Jharkhand: Champai Soren

Mail News Service

Seraikela, Nov 12: Former Chief Minister Champai Soren said that even after 25 years of Jharkhand’s formation, tribal communities are yet to receive their rightful respect and entitlements. Speaking at a press conference in Rajnagar on Wednesday, he said, “The tribals are the true custodians of water, forests and land — that is their real identity. They have always been hardworking and self-respecting.”

Soren recalled the long struggle of the tribal community, tracing it from Tilka Manjhi to the heroic sacrifices of Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu and Chand-Bhairav. “It is because of their struggle that Santhal Pargana was created and protective laws like the SPT Act came into being,” he added.

He warned that changing demographics and illegal encroachments have endangered tribal existence, claiming that over 30,000 acres of tribal land have been taken away. He accused the Congress of historical injustice, citing incidents like the Gua and Kharsawan firing. “Even today, the martyrs of the Jharkhand movement await justice,” he said. Urging unity, Soren emphasized that protecting tribal rights and identity would be the true tribute to Birsa Munda and Sidhu-Kanhu.