After more than three years, the Adivasi Chatra Sangh once again took centre stage and vented its ire against chief minister Shibu Soren for his government's "anti-people" land policy and Governor Syed Sibtey Razi for failing to deliver his promise to protect the interests of the tribals.
A few thousand tribal students and members of the party today went on the rampage in the capital, pulling down the boundary wall of a disputed plot of land on Bariatu Road and smashing windscreens of at least a dozen vehicles before holding a meeting at Morabadi grounds. They also demonstrated in front of Soren's residence and gunned for support outside Raj Bhavan.
Leaders of the Adivasi forum voiced their protest against the government's "deplorable" move of awarding compensation in lieu of tribal land. "The Soren government must ensure that there is no illegal transfer of tribal land. It should also see that tribals remain the owners of the acres being taken for industries or mining," said Chamra Linda, president of the party.
The student organisation also flayed Razi for "not performing" his constitutional duty and "failing" as the guardian of tribals. "In a state with Fifth Schedule area, the governor is supposed to act as the guardian of tribals. But, unfortunately, we do not see this happening in Jharkhand," said veteran party leader Belkhash Kujur, addressing a gathering in front of Raj Bhavan.
Earlier in the day, members of the organisation gathered at Morabadi grounds and held a meeting before they protested outside the chief minister's residence. They damaged vehicles at Radium Road, Pandra, Kutchery Road and at Poddar Motors in Kantaoli. Superintendent of police Richard Lakra said a complaint had been lodged in the Poddar Motors case.
The party leaders also demanded constitution of a tribunal for speedy disposal of cases related to land. They urged Soren to penalise those involved in illegal transfer of tribal land. Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste police stations in every district, filling up tribal seats in government offices and 100,000 jobs for the unemployed also topped the organisation's wish list.
The Adivasi forum, which had maintained a low profile during Madhu Koda's reign, is back with a bang apparently because Soren — a marked fighter for tribal causes — is once again at the helm of state affairs.