RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Aug.9: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on the occasion of World Indigenous Day, today appealed to 13 crore tribal people across the country to remain united cutting across the barrier of caste, creed and religion.
He, while inaugurating two-day tribal festival at old Birsa Munda jail campus in the presence of his father and Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, mentioned the Manipur incident and said that only unity among tribals can avoid such a situation.
He remembered tribal contributions to the freedom struggle and expressed his concern over the way historians did injustice in mentioning the same in history books. He also mentioned the role of tribal people in post-independence development of the country and their sacrifice to protect forest, land and water.
The chief minister, on the occasion, also talked about the pain of displacement due to developmental activities and among those who remained the worst sufferers of development 80% are tribals. He said developmental processes cut off millions of people from their language and culture.
He discussed the issue of migration and said that tribes are forced to sell coal on their bicycles, go to big cities to wash utensils, raise children or work like bonded labourers in brick kilns.
The Chief Minister’s statement came as tribes in the Jharkhand capital observed the day in different ways. At Harmu Housing Colony, BITTRA had organized a marathon for tribal unity where tribal Olympians, retired Indian Air Force and Border Security Force officers were present.
Women clad in red bordered sarees were noticed dancing while matching their steps to the beat of Mandar while taking out ‘Reej Rang Rasik’ rally taken out from Karamtoli Chowk to Birsa Munda Museum. A dance group was formed in the name of 32 tribal communities of Jharkhand. Glimpses of the different dances of the Jharkhand tribal communities were seen in these groups.
At Albert Ekka Chowk, various tribal organizations were noticed marching with placards in their hands objecting to Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Prabhakar Tirkey, a member of the tribal coordination committee, was heard demanding restoration of peace in Manipur from the PM and the home minister.
Right in front of Albert Ekka, tribute was paid to the brave sons of Jharkhand and wreaths were placed on them. Youths were noticed dancing to the tune of Nagpuri songs. Women were noticed dancing.
