A massive protest rally swept through Chaibasa on Tuesday as thousands of tribal residents took to the streets opposing the proposal to declare Saranda forest a wildlife sanctuary. The agitation, described as a “Maha Jan Akrosh Rally,” saw participants from across the district marching with traditional attire, weapons, and placards asserting, “This forest is ours, these trees are ours.”
The rally, organised under the banners of the Adivasi Munda Samaj Vikas Samiti, Adivasi Moolvasi Samiti, and Kolhan Raksha Sangh, began at Gandhi Maidan and moved through major routes before reaching the offices of the Mining Officer and the Deputy Commissioner. Delegates handed over memorandums demanding immediate withdrawal of the State’s proposal. Participants said the move to turn Saranda into a sanctuary was taken without consulting local communities whose lives are intertwined with the forest.
Leaders Warn of Wider Agitation
Addressing the gathering, Budhram Laguri, Central President of the Adivasi Munda Samaj Vikas Samiti, and JMM Central Member Monika Boypai said Saranda is not merely a forest but the cultural and economic lifeline of thousands of tribal families. They argued that the sanctuary plan threatens both livelihood and identity. “Any Government interference in Saranda will not be accepted. This forest is our ancestral heritage,” said Laguri. Boypai warned that if the Government does not withdraw the proposal, the movement would soon expand across Jharkhand.
Also Read: Jharkhand Cabinet Formed Group of Ministers to Examine Saranda Sanctuary Proposal
The protest also drew participation from women, youth, and cultural troupes performing traditional dances and songs along the route, turning the demonstration into a symbolic assertion of tribal identity and rights.
The district administration made extensive security arrangements. SDO Sandeep Anurag Topno, SDPO Bahaman Tuti, BDO Amitabh Bhagat, Circle Officer Upendra Kumar, and police officers from Sadar and Muffasil police stations remained deployed throughout the protest route. The demonstration concluded peacefully after memorandums were submitted, but the warning from tribal leaders of a larger state-wide movement has kept the administration on alert.
Also Read: Supreme Court Summoned Chief Secretary Jharkhand to Appear on 8th October for Contempt Proceedings
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