Community Cries Out for Justice, Rights and Ancestral Land

The 171st Santal Rebellion Day was observed on Wednesday across the Santal area of Gobindaganj upazila in the district, marked by a resounding call to secure and ensure the rights of the indigenous Santal community within society.

To commemorate the historic day, members of the Santal community organized and executed a series of elaborate programmes under the banner of the Sahebganj Bagda Farm Bhumi Uddhar Sangram Committee. 

The day’s events commenced in the morning with a formal rally held around 10 am, following which participants placed floral wreaths at the Shaheed Bedi to honor the historical struggle.

Subsequently, a post-rally discussion meeting was convened, presided over by Philimon Bask, the president of the committee. 

A lineup of community representatives and speakers, including Rafael Hasda, Abdul Aziz, Bitish Saren, Anisur Rahman, Aminhemrom, Olivia Hemrom, Saheb Murmu, Anjali Murmu, and Sheuli Tudu, addressed the gathered assembly.

During the discussion, the speakers pointed out that even after 50 years of independence, the Santal population continues to be systematically deprived of their rightful rights. 

Highlighting a long-standing grievance, they noted that three Santals were killed in 2016, yet the trial of the murderers has still not been conducted.

In light of this, the speakers demanded that the government hold the trial of the Santal murder without further delay. 

Furthermore, they urged the authorities to take immediate and necessary initiatives to return their ancestral land, a measure they emphasized is essential to help them lead decent and dignified lives.