Ex-CM Champai Soren Leads Rally Against Bangladeshi Influx
Key Points:
• Thousands gather despite heavy rain to protest illegal immigration
• Leaders warn of threats to tribal land, culture, and identity
• Call for united social movement to protect indigenous rights
PAKUR – Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has pledged to remove illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from the Santhal Pargana region, addressing growing concerns among tribal communities.
Thousands of tribal community members braved heavy rainfall to attend a massive convention in Dangapara, Pakur district. The event highlighted the increasing anxiety over the influx of illegal immigrants.
Champai Soren, the chief guest, emphasized the rich history of tribal resistance. “Our society has never compromised on self-respect in the fight for land, forests, and cultural identity,” he declared.
The former CM pointed out alarming demographic shifts in Pakur. He stated, “Adivasi communities have become a minority here, while some political parties deny this issue for vote bank politics.”
Questioning Land Acquisition
Soren raised concerns about illegal land transfers. He noted, “Under the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, daughters don’t inherit ancestral property. How are outsiders acquiring our lands?”
The leader called for a thorough investigation into these land acquisitions. He urged the community to launch a widespread social movement, drawing inspiration from their ancestors.
“We will fight once again to preserve the social structure of Santhal Pargana,” Soren asserted. “It’s crucial for us to unite and protect not only our land but also our identity.”
Threats to Tribal Culture
Lobin Hembram, former MLA from Borio, stressed the urgency of the situation. He warned, “Our culture will vanish if we lose our land. We need to organize our society for a social struggle.”
Hembram emphasized the importance of strict enforcement of the SPT Act. “Only then can we save our water, forests, and land,” he added.
Political Accusations
Sita Soren, ex-MLA from Jama, accused the current state government of protecting illegal immigrants. “The Hemant Soren government is sheltering Bangladeshi infiltrators to build their vote bank,” she claimed.
She further alleged that only middlemen had prospered under the present administration. “In Hemant’s four-and-a-half-year government, only brokers have developed,” Sita Soren stated.
The convention, attended by numerous tribal leaders and social figures, concluded with a resolve to protect indigenous rights and cultural heritage. As one community elder put it, “This gathering, despite the rain, proves that the Santhal society will no longer tolerate this situation.”
