Two-day National Coordination Committee Meeting of Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch Begins in Ranchi — Delegates from Across the Country Call for a United Movement Against Corporate Loot and Government Apathy over Jal, Jungle, and Zameen
Ranchi::The two-day meeting of the All-India Coordination Committee of the Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch (AARM) began today in Ranchi. The session commenced with the hoisting of the organization’s flag and floral tributes paid to the statues of Birsa Munda and Father Stan Swamy. Committee members from 15 states across the country participated in the meeting.
The conference was inaugurated by Jitendra Chaudhury, National President of the AARM and Leader of the Opposition in the Tripura Legislative Assembly.In his address, Chaudhury said that attempts to curtail the constitutional rights of the Adivasi communities are steadily increasing. Their distinct identity is being eroded, while corporate loot of water, forest, land, and mineral resources has intensified. He emphasized the need for a strong, united, and organized nationwide movement to confront these challenges.
Justice (Retd.) Ratnakar Bhengra, Chairperson of the Reception Committee and former Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of ensuring a separate identity column for Adivasis in the upcoming Census. He elaborated on the special constitutional protections under the Fifth Schedule and the significance of several landmark Supreme Court judgments.
He said that Adivasis must remain vigilant to protect their language, culture, and identity.
“Today, divisive identity politics is being deliberately promoted to weaken the unity of the working people,” he cautioned. “This division only serves the interests of exploitative forces. We must remain alert and united to safeguard our language, culture, and community cohesion.”
Brinda Karat’s statement:CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat said that attacks on Adivasi rights have intensified across the country. Corporate control over forests, land, and mineral resources is expanding, while governments remain silent spectators.
“The privatization of coal blocks and land acquisition policies in the name of industrial development are direct assaults on the very existence of Adivasi communities,” she said. “The real wealth of our country lies in its working people and natural resources, not in corporate profits. The struggle of Adivasi communities is not just for land — it is a fight for dignity and identity.”
Pulin Bihari Baskey’s statement:National Convenor and former Member of Parliament Pulin Bihari Baskey said that governments are consistently ignoring the constitutional provisions of the Fifth and Sixth Schedules. The powers of Gram Sabhas — recognized as supreme by the Constitution — are being systematically undermined in the name of development.
“We are not against development,” he said, “but we are against exploitation and displacement. No project can be called democratic if it proceeds without the consent of Adivasi communities. We must unite and intensify our struggle to secure our rights.”
Subhash Hembram’s statement:Santhal Pargana Convenor Subhash Hembram said that mining projects are being launched in Adivasi regions without proper consultation, leading to displacement and environmental destruction.
“The government, under the guise of development, is handing over our lands and forests to corporations,” he said. “The soil of Santhal Pargana has always resisted exploitation, and now this struggle will be spread across the entire country.”
Devi Singh Pahariya’s
statement:Representative of the Primitive Tribal Forum Devi Singh Pahariya said that the primitive tribal groups remain among the most deprived sections of society. They continue to be denied equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment.Governments project development through statistics,” he said, “but the reality is that primitive tribes are fighting for survival. A special policy and dedicated budget must be ensured to guarantee them equal opportunities.”
The meeting passed a resolution demanding a time-bound solution to the issues of displacement, pollution, and accidents caused by various coal mining projects in Jharkhand. It also condemned the repression of Adivasi protests in Chaibasa, demanding punitive action against those responsible.
The proceedings were conducted by AARM Convenor Sukhnath Lohra.
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