Over 10,000 tribal residents from across Jharkhand and those residing in Delhi today marched to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi registering their anguish and protests against the CNT and SPT amendment Bills passed by the Jharkhand Government.
The march, led by tribal leaders under the banner of Jharkhand Adiwasi Sangharsh Morcha, also had the backing of JMM working president Hemant Soren and senior Congress leaders including Subodh Kant Sahay and PK Balmuchu.
The march that began from Mandi House culminated in a huge gathering at Jantar Mantar where the leaders including Dr Karma Oraon, Dev Kumar Dhan ad Prem Shahi Munda along with Hemant Soren, SK Sahay and others addressed the people.
A delegation of leaders also handed over a four-point memorandum to the Presdient of India, Prime Minister's Office, Home Minister, Tribal Welfare Ministry, ST/SC Commission and Chairperson of lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seeking immediate intervention on the issues that concern 86 lakh tribals of the State.
“We have a gathering where tribal people from every nook and corner from Delhi where present. Even from Jharkhand about 10,000 tribal residents had come to attend the march. This was a historic march here in the national Capital and we will ensure that the tribal population of each State in the nation rises to protect the interests of the tribals of Jharkhand,” said Dr Karma Oraon.
The delegation in their four-point memorandum have sought revoking amendments in the CNT and SPT Acts that were made to protect the lands of tribals back in the years 1908 and 1949, respectively. Also, they have urged to instruct revoking orders for Settlement and land Bank issued by the Government.
They have further urged to annul the present domicile policy of the State, which they said have made the tribals feel insecure and subjugated. The tribal people have also protested against the “lackluster” role of the Tribal Advisory Council in the State stating that the works under the fifth schedule of the Constitution were not being properly executed in the interests of the tribal population.