Ex-BJP rulers' sedition cases on Jharkhand tribals to be 'withdrawn' in a month

A Pathalgadi plaque
By A Representative

The Jharkhand government has assured a tribal rights delegation that the cases filed against adivasis for putting up Pathalgadi plaques, erected as part of the rebellious movement in dense forests declaring their villages “independent”, prohibiting them for outsiders, would be withdrawn within a month.
The cases, some of them under sedition laws, were filed during the previous BJP rule in the state. The delegation, under the banner of Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (JMM), a civil society network, met the state director-general of police (DGP), who apprised it of the decision of the state government.
The delegation constituted of Bineet Mundu, Elina Horo, PM Tony, Praful Linda, Seerat Kachchap and Siraj Dutta and comprised of representatives of tribal rights groups Adivasi Women’s Network, Adivasi Adhikar Manch, Bagaicha and Our Land, Our Life. DGP also assured the delegation that action would be taken against those who “violated” human rights during the rule of the previous BJP rule.
The delegation handed over a letter to DGP demanding “swift action” against the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel responsible for beating up adivasis in the West Singhbhum district’s Chiriabera village on June 15. The delegation explained the findings of a JMM fact-finding team. DGP responded by stating that action would be taken against the perpetrators and the victims would get justice.
The delegation also raised issues of pending or inadequate police action in several cases of human rights violations of the recent past, demanding immediate investigation into murder of adivasi activists and removal of police camps from schools in Khunti, insisting, there is lack of police responsiveness in cases of lynching.

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