A meeting of various tribal organizations and representatives was held on Saturday at the Kala and Sanskriti Bhawan in Sonua block premises to protest against the demand to include the Kudmi, Mahato community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list in the district. The meeting was chaired by Uday Purti.
Following discussions, it was decided to hold the Manoharpur assembly-level Janakrosh rally, which was earlier scheduled for October 12 in Goilkera, on October 18 at the Sonua block headquarters. The date was changed due to a major program in Goilkera on October 14, the Shaheed Diwas of Veer Shaheed Devendra Majhi.
The meeting decided to conduct a village-wise public awareness campaign to ensure maximum participation in the upcoming rally. It was also resolved that the rally would be conducted peacefully and democratically, but its voice would be so strong that the government and administration would not be able to ignore it.
Pator Joko, President of the Adivasi Samaj Mahasabha and Adivasi Samanvay Samiti, said that the claim of including the Kudmi, Mahato community in the Scheduled Tribe is beyond facts and history. This is a direct attack on the identity, rights, and recognition of the tribal society. He stated that it is not just a protest, but a resolve to protect their identity and future.
It was also unanimously decided at the meeting that the movement would remain completely non-violent and efforts would be made to involve every section of society.
Several dignitaries were present at the meeting, including Dr. Dinesh Chandra Boypai, Mahendra Jamuda, Govinda Jamuda, Kedarnath Nayak, Hemant Soren, Ganesh Chandra Bodra, Budh Lal Purti, Manoj Nayak, Janki Hembrom, Surya Bahanda, Siddharth Bodra, and Jaipal Hembrom.