Deliberations on Civil Rights and Social Justice at State Conference

People’s groups gather at Lugu Buru, call for intensified struggle against displacement, inequality and corporate control

Ranchi:The second State Conference of the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha commenced at Lugu Buru Ghantabari Dharomgarh in Lalpania (Gomia, Bokaro) on Monday, with the first day witnessing extensive deliberations on key national and state-level challenges, civil rights, and social justice issues.

The conference began with tributes to iconic people’s leaders—Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu-Kanhu, Birsa Munda, Phulo-Jhano, Jaipal Singh Munda, and Stan Swamy—offered with the traditional salutation “Hul Johar.”

Addressing the gathering, Dinesh Murmu highlighted the historical significance of Lugu Buru, describing it as a symbol of the Adivasi community’s collective consciousness and self-governance, preserved by resisting external interference and maintaining its original identity.

Committee president Babli Soren noted that despite the absence of a written constitution, local communities have safeguarded their traditions, language, and culture for centuries. She urged people to unite and demand recognition of the Sarna religion code in the upcoming Census.

During the inaugural session, former MLA Vinod Singh alleged that repression of Adivasis and activists is on the rise, adding that growing economic inequality continues to undermine social justice.

Economist Jean Drèze stressed that democracy must go beyond periodic elections and raised concerns over widening inequality and increasing corporate influence.

Prominent Adivasi activist Dayamani Barla expressed concern over rising displacement and corporate land acquisition in Jharkhand. She alleged that land banks are being used to transfer land to large corporate houses, weakening the authority of Gram Sabhas, and called for united resistance to safeguard CNT/SPT laws, the Fifth Schedule, and forest rights.

Youth activist Manoj Bhuiyan from Palamu highlighted the economic and psychological challenges faced by Dalit and Adivasi communities. He demanded the formation of the Scheduled Caste Commission and proper disbursal of student scholarships.

Nitisha Khalkho criticised the New Education Policy, alleging that it promotes regressive ideas while marginalising regional languages and Adivasi cultural identity.

In subsequent sessions, representatives from various regions presented their concerns. Speakers including Praveer Peter, Ambika Yadav, Sanju, Meena Murmu, Ramesh Jerai, and Ashok Pal also addressed the conference.

The conference concluded its first day with a call for broader unity to defend jal-jangal-jameen (water, forest, land), constitutional rights, and social justice. Participants from several districts, including West Singhbhum, Latehar, Bokaro, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Khunti, Pakur, Godda, Chatra, and East Singhbhum, attended in large numbers.