NewKerala.com

Key Points

Tensions are escalating in Jharkhand as Kurmi organizations intensify their demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Tribal groups strongly oppose this move, calling it an encroachment on their constitutional rights. Former ministers and tribal leaders warn that granting ST status to Kurmis would endanger tribal existence across India. Both sides are preparing for major protests, with Kurmis planning rail blockades and tribal groups organizing dharnas and office blockades.

Key Points: Jharkhand Tribal Groups Protest Kurmi ST Status Demand

  • Kurmi organizations plan rail and road blockades across three states for ST status
  • Tribal leaders allege demand threatens constitutional rights of existing tribes
  • Former ministers warn Kurmi ST status would endanger tribal existence nationwide
  • Central Sarna Committee announces dharna at Raj Bhavan and district blockades
2 min read

Tension rises in Jharkhand over Kurmi demand for ST status, tribal groups warn of protest

Tribal groups warn of nationwide protests against Kurmi ST status demand in Jharkhand, calling it an encroachment on tribal rights and constitutional protections.

"If they are given tribal status, the very existence of tribals across the country will be endangered - Nisha Bhagat, Central Sarna Committee"

Ranchi, Sep 15

Political and social mobilisation has intensified in Jharkhand over the demand for granting Scheduled Tribe (Adivasi) status to the Kurmi caste.

While Kurmi organisations are preparing for a series of agitations in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bengal, tribal groups are strongly opposing the move, raising fears of a possible confrontation.

At a massive protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar last week, Kurmi outfits announced a “Rail Roko-Rasta Roko” agitation, vowing to continue the movement indefinitely until their demand is met.

"Our struggle will go on until Kurmis are recognised as tribals," the organisations declared.

Tribal organisations, however, rejected the demand for an ST status to Kurmis outright at two separate press conferences in Ranchi on Monday.

Former ministers Devkumar Dhan and Geetashree Oraon alleged that the Kurmi claim was an "encroachment on tribal rights".

Oraon said: "The aim of Kurmi leaders is only to become MLAs, MPs, and ministers by capturing the constitutional rights of tribals. Last year, they blocked railway lines for five days, but not a single case was registered against them."

She added that Kurmis identify themselves as descendants of Shivaji Maharaj and are linked with the Maratha empire. "In such a situation, giving them tribal status is not possible," she asserted, warning that tribals will resist any such move at all levels.

The Central Sarna Committee of the tribals has announced a dharna at Raj Bhavan on September 20 and a blockade of Deputy Commissioners’ offices in all districts on October 17.

Committee leader Nisha Bhagat said: "Kurmi, Kudmi, and Mahato – all three are the same. They were never tribals. If they are given tribal status, the very existence of tribals across the country will be endangered."

Several tribal leaders, including Sanjay Tirkey, Harshita Munda, Fulchand Tirkey, Kundarsi Munda, Niranjana Herenj, W. Munda, and Laxmi Narayan Munda, were present at the press meet held in Ranchi on Monday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Jharkhand, I've seen how these demands create social tension. Both communities need to sit together and discuss rather than blocking roads and railways. Development should be the priority for all.
S
Sanjay N
Tribal communities have suffered historical injustice and their reservations are meant to protect their identity and rights. Giving ST status to other communities will defeat the purpose of reservation system.
A
Ananya R
The government should form an impartial commission with anthropologists and historians to study the Kurmi community's claims scientifically. Emotional decisions won't help anyone. 🧐
M
Michael C
Watching from abroad, it's concerning how reservation politics often leads to conflict. India needs to move toward economic-based reservations rather than caste-based to reduce these tensions.
K
Kavya N
Both sides have valid points. Kurmis might be economically backward in some regions, but tribal identity is about more than just economic status. Maybe creating a separate category would be better than merging with ST.

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