Jharkhand tribal leaders allege ‘anti-adivasi agenda’ behind tribal meet

By A Representative 

More than 100 prominent Adivasi leaders, indigenous representatives, academicians, traditional self-governance representatives and activists from Jharkhand have appealed to the state’s Adivasi communities to boycott the “Janjati Sanskritik Samagam” scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 24.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the signatories alleged that the programme, organised by the Janjati Suraksha Manch, was based on an “anti-Adivasi ideology” and aimed at undermining the distinct identity and collective unity of Adivasi communities.

Among those who signed the appeal are former minister Geetashree Oraon, former MLA Mangal Singh Bobonga, Devkinandan Bedia, Kumar Chandra Mardi, Gunjal Ikir Munda, Demka Soy, Ramesh Jerai, Rajni Murmu, Neetisha Khalkho, Aloka Kujur, Krishna Mardi, Binsay Munda, Prabal Mahto, Meenakshi Munda, Mukesh Birua, Hari Kumar Bhagat, Dinesh Murmu, Sanika Munda, Jyotsna Tirkey and Sadhu Ho, among others.

The statement was also endorsed by representatives of several organisations including the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Samiti, Gaon Ganrajya Parishad, Sarna Sangom Samiti, Adivasi Munda Samaj Mahasangh, Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha, Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha and several other social and community groups across the state.

The appeal claimed that the Janjati Suraksha Manch, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, promotes the view that Adivasis are Hindus and part of the Hindu Varna system. The signatories alleged that these organisations avoid using the term “Adivasi” and instead use terms such as “Janjati” and “Vanvasi”, which they said dilute the autonomous identity of indigenous communities.

The statement further accused the organisations of promoting the slogan “Sarna Sanatan Ek” and supporting the removal of Christian Adivasis from the Scheduled Tribes list through “delisting” demands. It also alleged that these groups oppose the demand for a separate Sarna religious code and have not supported Adivasi struggles over jal, jangal and jameen.

According to the signatories, the ideological agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and allied organisations seeks to establish a “Hindu Rashtra”, which they claimed would marginalise minority and indigenous communities. The statement said that the independent political and cultural identity of Adivasis in Jharkhand was being targeted through such initiatives.

Describing the proposed conclave as “another conspiracy” against Adivasi identity, the appeal urged people across Jharkhand to completely boycott both the May 24 event and its organisers. It also called on Adivasi communities to organise rallies, meetings and public discussions to protest against the programme.