A meeting took place at the Kala and Sanskriti Bhawan in the Sonua block of West Singhbhum to address the contentious issue of including the Kudmi and Mahato communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The gathering, which included representatives from various tribal organizations, was led by Uday Purti.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to reschedule the Manoharpur assembly-level Janakrosh rally. Originally slated for October 12th in Goilkera, the rally will now be held on October 18th at the Sonua block headquarters. This adjustment was made to avoid conflict with a significant event scheduled for October 14th in Goilkera, commemorating the martyrdom of Veer Shahid Devendra Majhi.
To bolster participation in the upcoming rally, the meeting outlined plans for a village-level public awareness campaign. Participants also affirmed their commitment to conducting the rally peacefully and democratically, with the aim of making their voices heard by the authorities.
Speaking at the meeting, Pator Joko, president of the Adivasi Samaj Mahasabha and Adivasi Samanvay Samiti, criticized the move to include the Kudmi and Mahato communities in the ST list, stating that the claim lacked factual and historical basis. He emphasized that this action undermines the identity, rights, and recognition of the tribal community. Joko framed the opposition as a resolve to safeguard their identity and future.
Participants unanimously agreed to maintain a non-violent approach throughout the movement and to strive for the inclusion of all segments of society.
The meeting saw the presence of Dr. Dinesh Chandra Boypai, Mahendra Jamuda, Govinda Jamuda, Kedarnath Nayak, Hemant Soren, Ganesh Chandra Bodra, Budhlal Purti, Manoj Nayak, Janki Hembrom, Surya Bahanda, Siddharth Bodra, Jaypal Hembrom, and several other distinguished individuals.