Ranchi/Palamu::In protest against the ongoing demand to include the Kurmi and Kudmi communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, a massive Divisional-level “Adivasi Rights Protection Public Outrage Rally and Public Meeting” was organized on Wednesday in Palamu.The event was held at the District Council Ground, Court Complex, under the banner of the Palamu Divisional Parha–Bhayari Panchayat.
The rally was led by Ashutosh Singh Bero, State President of the Jharkhandi Adivasi Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, and presided over by Sunil Oraon.Thousands of tribal men and women from various villages of the Palamu division gathered to send a clear message to the State and Central Governments, as well as the District Administration, that they strongly oppose any unconstitutional attempt to include the Kurmi–Kudmi community in the Scheduled Tribe category.
Speakers at the rally said that the Kurmi–Kudmi community does not fulfill the criteria required for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list.They referred to the Lokur Committee Report (1965), which laid down five key criteria for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe:
1. Primitive traits,
2. Distinct culture,
3. Geographical isolation,
4. Shyness of contact with the larger community, and
5. Backwardness.
Speakers emphasized that the Kurmi–Kudmi community fails to meet these essential parameters.
Statements of Key Speakers
Gladson Dungdung (Tribal Researcher) said,
“This movement symbolizes our struggle for the protection of identity, history, and the Constitution. Including the Kurmi–Kudmi community in the ST list would not only be unconstitutional but also a serious blow to the rights of genuine Adivasis. We will continue our democratic struggle to safeguard our identity and rights.”
Ajay Tirkey (President, Central Sarna Committee) stated,
“The Adivasi community has existed for thousands of years with its own culture, traditions, and language. The inclusion of the Kurmi–Kudmi community in the tribal list is both historically and legally unconstitutional. The government must understand that this issue is not merely about reservation, but about identity and existence.”
Shashi Panna (Tribal Leader) said,
“We want to make it clear to the government that if our rights are tampered with, the entire state of Jharkhand will take to the streets. No one can become a tribal merely by imitating our culture. We will defend our identity through constitutional means.”
Jyotsna Kerketta (Writer and Tribal Social Activist) said,
“Being a tribal is not defined by one’s name or surname, but by a way of life, culture, and deep connection with nature. The Kurmi–Kudmi demand poses a serious threat to the rights of tribal women, youth, and future generations. This is a battle for existence and self-respect.”
Speakers at the rally further said that the Kurmi community today is a prosperous and socially advanced group, with significant representation in politics, education, and society. Therefore, there is no justification for including them in the Scheduled Tribe list.
They urged the government to respect the sentiments of the tribal communities and keep the Kurmi–Kudmi community out of the ST category.
Prominent Attendees
The rally was attended by Govind Toppo, Shiv Oraon, Jayprakash Minz, Ajay Singh Chero, Awadhesh Singh Bero, Tripurari Singh Bero, Raghupal Singh Kharwar, Dawood Kerketta, Praveen Kharwar, Mithilesh Oraon, Kedar Singh Barwar, Ramraj Singh Bero, Sumit Oraon, Nagmani Rajak, Ravipal, Aditya Tikin, and Bandu Ram, among others.
Various tribal and indigenous organizations of the division demonstrated unity and took a collective pledge to defend their constitutional rights.
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