A meeting was held on Saturday at the Kala and Sanskriti Bhawan in Sonua block, West Singhbhum district, bringing together various tribal organizations and representatives. The meeting was convened to oppose the inclusion of the Kudmi and Mahato communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The meeting was presided over by Uday Purti.
Following discussions, it was decided to reschedule the Janakrosh rally (public outrage rally) at the Manoharpur assembly level. Initially planned for October 12th in Goilkera, the rally will now take place on October 18th at the Sonua block headquarters. This change was made due to a large program scheduled in Goilkera on October 14th, coinciding with the martyrdom day of Veer Shahid Devendra Majhi.
The meeting also decided to launch a village-level public awareness campaign to encourage greater participation in the upcoming rally. A resolution was also passed to ensure the rally is conducted peacefully and democratically, with the aim of making their voices heard by the administration.
Pator Joko, president of the Adivasi Samaj Mahasabha and Adivasi Samanvay Samiti, stated that the claim to include the Kudmi and Mahato communities in the Scheduled Tribe list is baseless and goes against historical facts. He emphasized that this is a direct assault on the identity, rights, and recognition of the tribal community. He clarified that this is not just a protest, but a resolve to protect their identity and future.
A unanimous decision was made to keep the movement non-violent and to involve every section of society.
Attendees included Dr. Dinesh Chandra Boypai, Mahendra Jamuda, Govinda Jamuda, Kedarnath Nayak, Hemant Soren, Ganesh Chandra Bodra, Budhlal Purti, Manoj Nayak, Janki Hembrom, Surya Bahanda, Siddharth Bodra, Jaypal Hembrom, and several other dignitaries.