JNS: In a proactive move to raise awareness about the Sarna Dharma Code, a public meeting was organized in Uberdih village of Chilagdha Panchayat, located in Jaridih block of Bokaro district, on Tuesday, under the auspices of the tribal Sengel campaign. The gathering, presided over by Sengel block coordinator Ramsundar Besra, witnessed the active participation of various stakeholders.
Vijay Tudu, the President of Bokaro Zonal Sengel Yuva Morcha, highlighted the challenges faced by tribal communities despite their substantial population of 15 crores in India. These challenges include the preservation of the Sarna Dharma Code, the recognition of Santali as an official language, the protection of CNT/SPT, the safeguarding of cultural symbols like Marang Buru, and the inclusion of Kurmi as Scheduled Tribes. He also underscored issues such as displacement, migration, domicile rights in Jharkhand, and the necessity of tribal unity.
Sukhdev Murmu, the Bokaro Sengel District President of Tribal Sengel Abhiyan, issued an ultimatum to the government to declare the Sarna Dharma Code by March 31, 2024. Failure to do so would result in a Bharat Bandh on April 7, 2024. Murmu emphasized the importance of public support and called on tribal society to actively participate in achieving these objectives.
Gopinath Murmu, the Bokaro District Convener, stressed the need for a mass movement to secure the Sarna Dharma Code before the Lok Sabha elections. He advocated for a symbolic show of strength in all district headquarters from March 15 to March 31, culminating in a demonstration from Birsa Munda Chowk Nayamod to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bokaro district on March 15, 2024.
The meeting also featured a speech by Kalicharan Kisku, the Sengel Yuva Morcha Chas Block President. Villagers from the region, including Chhoturam Tudu, Jagabandhu Murmu, Jagdish Tudu, and others, actively participated in the event to show their support for the cause.
