Tribal intellectuals adopt 4 resolutions to safeguard rights, identity
PNS
Jamshedpur
Tribal leaders, intellectuals, social activists and representatives of various organisations on Monday resolved to strengthen efforts to protect Adivasi identity, constitutional rights and traditional institutions during a State-level Tribal Intellectuals’ Conference organised by the Adivasi Suraksha Parishad at the Tribal Cultural Centre (TCC), Sonari, on the eve of Hul Diwas.
The conference discussed key issues including the proposed delimitation exercise, protection of jal-jangal-jameen (water, forests and land), reservation, religious identity and political representation. Adityapur Municipal Corporation Mayor Sanjay Sardar inaugurated the event by paying tribute to tribal freedom fighters Sidho and Kanhu and stressed the need to safeguard constitutional provisions, including reservation, that have strengthened Adivasi political representation.
Speakers included Jharkhand movement leader Prabhakar Tirkey, former Ranchi Press Club president Surendra Soren, Jamshedpur Press Club General Secretary Vinay Purty, PESA Act expert Panchanan Soren, Mahli community leader Kanuram Mahli and tribal filmmaker Dashrath Hansda.
The conference unanimously adopted four resolutions. Delegates expressed concern that the proposed delimitation exercise could reduce the number of Scheduled Tribe-reserved Assembly and Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand and urged both the Centre and the State government to protect tribal political representation. They also called for stronger safeguards for reservation, constitutional rights and land ownership, stricter implementation of the CNT and SPT Acts to prevent illegal transfer of tribal land, and recognition of a separate Sarna/Tribal Religion Code in the Census.
The conference also felicitated six Kolhan students admitted to the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, and called for continued unity to safeguard Adivasi identity and cultural heritage.
