The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has postponed the proposed statewide protest on 09 May demanding inclusion of Sarna tribal religion code in the census column. JMM General Secretary cum Spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey said through a press conference held at the camp office on Thursday that the party has taken this decision in view of the situation arising on the borders of the country.
He said that Veer Bhoomi Jharkhand stands with the brave soldiers of the country with all its might. Terrorism operated from across the border cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Earlier, JMM had announced that till the Sarna tribal religion code is not implemented, the census will not be allowed in Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the resolution of 'Sarna Tribal Religion Code' in a special session on 11 November 2020.
The purpose of the proposal of Sarna Dharma Code is to give a separate religious identity to the followers of Sarna and tribal religion in the 2021 census. The followers of Sarna religion are nature worshipers and they do not consider themselves a part of Hinduism. After the proposal was passed, it was sent to the central government, but no decision has been taken by the Center so far.
The instructions given to all the district presidents, secretaries and central committee officials of the party regarding the statewide movement have been withdrawn.