Tensions Rise in Jharkhand Over Kurmi Demand for Tribal Status
In Jharkhand, a heated debate is brewing as Kurmi groups push hard for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, while tribal communities fight back fiercely. This clash over Adivasi rights has sparked plans for protests across Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, raising fears of major confrontations.
Kurmi organizations kicked things off with a big rally at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar last week. There, they announced a massive "Rail Roko-Rasta Roko" agitation—blocking trains and roads—to press their demand. "We’ll keep fighting until the government recognizes Kurmis as tribals," they vowed, promising no end to the movement without results.
But tribal groups aren’t backing down. On Monday, leaders from various outfits held two press conferences in Ranchi to slam the Kurmi claim outright. Former ministers Devkumar Dhan and Geetashree Oraon called it an "encroachment on tribal rights," accusing Kurmi leaders of eyeing political power like MLA, MP, and minister seats at the expense of Adivasis.
Oraon pointed out that Kurmis often trace their roots to Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha empire, not tribal heritage. "How can they claim ST status now? It’s impossible," she said. She also highlighted last year’s five-day rail blockade by Kurmis, where no cases were filed against them, fueling their boldness. Oraon warned that tribals will resist this "at all levels" to protect their constitutional benefits.
The Central Sarna Committee, a key tribal body, ramped up the response. They plan a dharna at Raj Bhavan on September 20 and blockades at all Deputy Commissioners’ offices on October 17. Leader Nisha Bhagat was blunt: "Kurmi, Kudmi, and Mahato are all the same—they’ve never been tribals. Granting them ST status would threaten the very survival of Adivasis across India."
The press meet in Ranchi drew top tribal voices, including Sanjay Tirkey, Harshita Munda, Fulchand Tirkey, Kundarsi Munda, Niranjana Herenj, W. Munda, and Laxmi Narayan Munda. As these agitations loom, Jharkhand’s political scene braces for more unrest in this battle over tribal identity and rights.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
