Rajnagar, Jharkhand — Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Champai Soren, has received overwhelming support from the tribal community’s traditional village heads, spiritual leaders, and common citizens in his stand against religious conversions and Bangladeshi infiltration. Speaking at a large public gathering organized on the occasion of the birth anniversary of freedom fighters Sidho and Kanhu, Soren passionately addressed thousands, urging them to unite for the protection of tribal identity and culture. The crowd responded by raising their hands in agreement, symbolizing unanimous support.
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by the Desh Pargana and various Manjhi Parganas. The tribal priests and elders emphasized the dangers of religious conversion, calling it a threat to the community’s future. Each speaker on stage echoed a common concern—the crisis looming over tribal society.
In his speech, Champai Soren reminded the audience of the sacrifices made by legendary tribal leaders like Tilka Manjhi, Sidho-Kanhu, Birsa Munda, Poto Ho, and Tana Bhagat, who fought against British colonialism to protect the tribal way of life. He questioned, “If our ancestors never compromised on self-respect, why should we surrender now?”
He highlighted the efforts of former MP Kartik Oraon, who in 1967 had introduced the ‘Delisting Bill’ in Parliament to remove converts from the Scheduled Tribe reservation benefits. Although the bill was supported by 322 MPs and 26 Rajya Sabha members, it was shelved by the then Congress government. Soren criticized the Congress for removing the tribal religion code from the national census in 1961, despite it being present until 1951.
Soren also pointed to several instances where Christians have won reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes, stating that individuals who abandon tribal traditions should not receive tribal reservations. He asserted that the fight for tribal identity is gaining momentum and soon will echo across the country. Upcoming rallies are scheduled in Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Chakulia, and parts of Odisha, with plans for a massive demonstration involving over 1 million tribals in Santhal Pargana.
Referring to Sahibganj district, he raised concerns about tribal women marrying into other communities, especially when such unions result in the misuse of tribal rights. “If you choose to live in another culture, do not encroach upon the rights of our people,” he warned.
He further cited the example of Bhognadih, a sacred tribal land, now reportedly overrun by Bangladeshi infiltrators, who, according to him, outnumber the local tribals and are involved in land grabbing and crimes against tribal women. He also mentioned that over 150 acres of tribal land have been taken over in Bandhgoda village under Kapali, Saraikela-Kharsawan.
Criticizing the state government, he said, “The Jharkhand government has turned a blind eye to tribal issues. For the sake of vote banks, they remain silent on the atrocities committed against our people.”
Soren concluded by warning that if religious conversions continue unchecked, sacred tribal sites like Jaher Sthans, Deshaulis, and Sarna places of worship will be abandoned, threatening the very survival of tribal culture.
The event, hosted by the Samta Sushar Akhara of the tribal community in Rajnagar, drew thousands of attendees, showcasing growing unity and unrest within Jharkhand’s indigenous population.
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