Tribal Groups Call for Bharat Bandh Over Sarna Religion Recognition

Massive Mobilization for Sarna Code Recognition on December 30

Tribal outfits rally for historic Bharat Bandh demanding Sarna Religion recognition.

RANCHI -The Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan, along with various tribal organizations, has called for a Bharat Bandh on December 30 to demand official recognition of the Sarna Religion.

Preparations are underway in multiple districts to ensure the bandh’s success, aimed at compelling government action towards this longstanding demand.

A crucial meeting in Dumka, led by Ranjit Murmu of the Tribal Sengel Abhiyan, took place in Saltola village, Saltola Panchayat, highlighting the issue’s importance.

Sohan Hembram, the State President of Assam, emphasized in the Santal Pargana Zone meeting that India’s approximately 15 crore tribals, who are nature worshippers, still lack formal recognition of the Sarna religion code.

He warned that if neither the Government of India nor state governments implement the Sarna Dharma Code, there would be a significant disruption, including rail and road blockades, on December 30.

Key figures like Banard Hansda, Shivali Murmu, and others attended the meeting, underscoring the widespread support for the cause.

Additionally, a meeting cum press conference in Lohardaga brought together leaders from the Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan, Central Sarna Committee, and other tribal groups.

Chaitu Oraon and former MP Salkhan Murmu led the Lohardaga event, marking a significant step in tribal advocacy.

Phoolchand Tirkey, the Central President of the Central Sarna Committee, declared the upcoming bandh a historic event, reflecting the collective resolve of India’s tribal communities in their fight for religious recognition.