West Singhbhum witnessed a gathering of tribal organizations and elected representatives at the Kala and Sanskriti Bhawan in Sonua block. The primary objective of the meeting was to oppose the inclusion of the Kudmi and Mahato communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. Uday Purti presided over the proceedings.
Following discussions, it was determined that the Manoharpur assembly-level Janakrosh rally, originally scheduled for October 12 in Goilkera, would be rescheduled to October 18 and held at the Sonua block headquarters. The date change was necessitated by a significant event in Goilkera on October 14, the Shaheed Diwas of Veer Shaheed Devendra Majhi.
The meeting also resolved to conduct a village-level awareness campaign to boost participation in the upcoming rally. The rally will be organized in a peaceful and democratic manner, but with a voice strong enough to get the attention of the government and administration.
Pator Joko, the President of the Adivasi Samaj Mahasabha and Adivasi Samanvay Samiti, stated that the inclusion of the Kudmi and Mahato communities in the Scheduled Tribe is not supported by historical facts. He emphasized that this action is a direct assault on the identity, rights, and recognition of the tribal community. He clarified that this is more than just a protest; it is a determination to protect their identity and future.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement to maintain a non-violent approach throughout the movement and to seek the involvement of all segments of society.
The gathering included the presence of notable figures like Dr. Dinesh Chandra Boypai, Mahendra Jamuda, Govinda Jamuda, Kedarnath Nayak, Hemant Soren, Ganesh Chandra Bodra, Budh Lal Purti, Manoj Nayak, Janki Hembrom, Surya Bahanda, Siddharth Bodra, and Jaipal Hembrom.