On the occasion of second death anniversary of social activist sister Valsa John who was hacked to death by mining mafia at Pachwara village in Pakur District in the year 2011, a memorable lecture was organised.
Sister Valsa was working with tribal in the coal rich regions of Dumka from past 20 years. She raised her voice against coal mafia for displaying the tribal from their homeland and was subjected to inhuman exploitation. In the end she had to pay for it with her life.
Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) Supremo Babulal Marandi who is associated with the Rajmahal Pahad Bachao Samiti from past two years said, “When I visited the Pachwara village after sister Valsa death it was pathetic to witness the situation of people there. From then I decided to provide my complete help to the people and ensure that they get what is their right.”
Marandi also stated that majority of tribal people voice gets suppressed because the land which are acquired most located in remote areas. As a result of which they are forced to migrate from their own land to other place.
He said, “We demand land against land. If any industry acquires land of tribal people then they must provide them land where they can cultivate and earn their livelihood.”
Gujarat social activist Teesta Setalvad by sharing her experience and challenges faced in the process of fighting for the rights of Gujarat riots victim she said that in my struggle I have learnt one thing that united we stand divided we fall, so it is essential that we all must stand together for our rights.
Meanwhile, she also emphasized on opening common school within the country as it will help bring equality among the society as in private school tribal students cannot make out. Moreover, the need of the hour is this that we all join hand for justice.