School of hope: Asha Kiran

Ranchi, April 27: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren today stressed that only a mass agitation could help redress the problems of the tribals, who were being evicted from their ancestral land.

Speaking at a meeting of the Jameen Bachao Sangharsh Samiti organised by Parha Mahasamiti, the JMM chief called for a mass uprising and urged tribals to come out with their traditional weapons to fight illegal take-over of tribal lands by vested groups.

He added that he would lead the movement to help tribals protect the ownership of their lands.

“Huge multistoreyed buildings and commercial apartments are coming up illegally on tribal lands. This is not a good sign. Only mass agitation by tribals could help them protect their lands. You (tribals) have no alternative but to fight back in a united way,” Soren said.

Convener Deo Kumar Dhan pointed out that it was a tragedy that ever since Jharkhand was carved out in 2000, the “land grabbing industry” has only prospered. Since tribals owe their existence to their lands, it is important that efforts should be made to save them from slipping into extinction.

Tribal leader Ratan Tirkey lamented that a large section of tribals have become conduits in siphoning off tribal lands in active collaboration with land mafias and other interested parties. Even state officials, police and public representatives have become important tools in taking over tribal lands, he alleged.

Unless an all-out effort is made immediately, more tribals would continue getting displaced. Tirkey urged all tribal groups to come forward and fight.