Ranchi: A comprehensive discussion was held in Ranchi on December 9, 2025, under the joint auspices of the Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha and the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha. The program critically reviewed the ongoing violence, state repression, and corporate exploitation in the name of Maoist elimination in the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh region. Hundreds of tribal and indigenous people, social workers, women activists, youth, and representatives of various organizations from districts including Bokaro, Latehar, Palamu, West Singhbhum, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, and Ranchi participated in the event.
Presenting the subject of the program, Siraj of the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha said that the primary objective of the anti-Maoist campaigns is to destroy the existence of tribals and secure their water, forests, land, and minerals for corporate exploitation.
Manoj Bhakt, state secretary of CPI (ML), stated that following the Union Home Minister’s declaration of “Maoist clearance” by March 2026, encounters, arrests, and militarization have intensified in tribal areas. Hundreds of tribals—including unarmed villagers and ordinary citizens—have been killed in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The recent killing of Madvi Hidma exposed the true face of this campaign, where on one hand surrender is encouraged, while on the other, killings occur in alleged encounters.
Devkinandan Bediya, state secretary of Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha, questioned why violence was chosen over dialogue when Maoist organizations had expressed a willingness for ceasefire and peace talks.
Speakers emphasized that this discussion is not about supporting or opposing Maoist ideology, but focuses on the repression of tribals under the pretext of eliminating Maoism. Any form of violence—whether by the state or others—is unacceptable. Operations like Green Hunt, Salwa Judum, and Operation Kagar have proven that the primary victims are the tribal communities themselves.
Dinesh Murmu of the Mahasabha said that laws like UAPA and SIR have become tools of repression. Through these laws, thousands of tribals, youth, and social activists have been jailed. The message is clear: “The land, forests, and legacy of struggle inherited from our ancestors will be taken away from us.”
Speakers named corporate groups such as Adani, stating that tribal areas are being cleared for mining, infrastructure, and energy projects, and those who resist are labeled traitors. State repression is not limited to armed movements; peaceful democratic movements against displacement, forced mining, security camp construction, and militarization are also being crushed. The ban on the Moolvasi Bachao Manch and UAPA cases against its leaders are examples. Between 2019 and 2023, over 10,400 arrests were made under UAPA nationwide, including 501 in Jharkhand.
Hiralal Tudu from Gomia stated that the Hemanth Soren government is following the central government’s anti-Maoist campaign with a strategy that amounts to anti-tribal measures. Questions have also arisen over encounters in Gomia on April 21 and July 16.
Alma Khalkho of the Sangharsh Morcha said that fake gram sabhas are used to approve projects for land grabbing. She noted that constitutional provisions such as 33% women’s participation are violated, often leaving only one woman, usually the head, on paper. Speakers recalled the late Ramdayal Munda, saying, “Tribal repression occurs because there are minerals beneath their land.” They stressed the need to educate the masses about the rights granted under PESA, the Fifth Schedule, and the Constitution.
Leena Padam shared experiences of atrocities against women. Citing examples including Soni Soren, she explained how women and girls in tribal areas face forced cooking, sexual violence, and harassment. She emphasized the importance of highlighting their resistance, courage, and struggle, giving them respect and a platform, and educating society about their rights and dignity.
FatherTom Kavala of the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha expressed deep disappointment with the role of the “Abua government,” questioning its silence on land banks, displacement, and repressive policies.
Prakash Viplav, state secretary of CPI(M) called the Bharatmala project a blueprint for large-scale displacement in Ranchi and surrounding areas. Ajit Kandeyang from West Singhbhum reported that security force camps are being installed continuously without gram sabha consent.
Gautam Munda stated that tribal core issues are being diverted to foster divisions within communities based on caste and religion. Representatives of the Chero community informed that in Satbarwa, 130 acres of hills have been occupied, hundreds face cases, and even statues like Neelambar-Pitamber have received notices after protests. Large-scale displacement continues under the name of Palamu Tiger Reserve.
Ashok Verma said that the Modi government spreads communalism during “Vande Mataram,” while rural communities are peacefully protesting anti-people projects like Gondulpur coal project.
In addition to the above speakers, representatives from Jan Sanskriti Manch, including Moti Bediya, Surendra Bediya, R.D. Majhi (president of Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha), Nandkishore Ganjhu, Nandita Bhattacharya CPI (ML) emphasized the need for united resistance.
The program concluded with proposals to organize Resistance Week and assembly sit-ins from January 1–9, along with calls for legal awareness, public education, organized movements, and broad-based solidarity. A warning was issued that if silence continues, tribal cultures, forests, biodiversity, and several communities could face extinction.
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