THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 10: While the Bharatiya Janata Party marks 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership with celebratory events and high-profile visits, including former Union Minister Smriti Irani’s trip to Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has responded with sharp criticism. Dr. Tanuj Khatri, spokesperson and central member of the JMM, issued a scathing statement highlighting what he called the “unanswered questions and enduring pain” of the common people.
“In Jharkhand, there is no celebration — only the echo of the people’s struggles,” said Dr. Khatri.
Demand for Sarna Code Still Ignored
Dr. Khatri accused the central government of deliberately sidelining the long-standing demand for the Adivasi-Sarna Dharma Code, unanimously supported by the Jharkhand Assembly. “This is not merely an administrative lapse; it’s a planned injustice against tribal identity,” he said. He criticised the government’s hypocrisy, noting its fondness for using tribal imagery during elections while denying constitutional recognition to tribal faiths.
Silence on Manipur, Betrayal of National Integrity
Referring to the months-long unrest in Manipur, Dr. Khatri condemned the Centre’s “complete lack of moral and political accountability.” He said the government’s silence amid widespread violence and atrocities, particularly against women, represented a failure of both governance and humanity.
Hasdeo Forest Clearance: Development or Destruction?
Citing the government’s decision to permit deforestation in Hasdeo, Chhattisgarh, Dr. Khatri said the BJP had exposed its true stance on environmental issues and tribal rights. “In tribal areas, forests are not resources—they are life. But this government seems incapable of understanding that,” he remarked.
Exam Scandals: Youth Cheated, Not Empowered
Dr. Khatri also targeted the government over recurring exam paper leaks in NEET, NET, and SSC, calling it a direct blow to the aspirations of India’s youth. “This is not just corruption—it is the murder of hope,” he said.
Demonetisation Fallout: Public Paid the Price
Revisiting the demonetisation decision, Dr. Khatri highlighted its devastating impact on small traders and daily-wage earners. “Over a hundred lives were lost, livelihoods destroyed, and in the end, the same notes returned. But the government still calls it a success.”
Farm Laws: A Betrayal That Cost 700 Lives
He further pointed to the farm laws, calling their forced implementation “the biggest betrayal of trust.” Dr. Khatri reminded that over 700 farmers died during protests, only for the government to retract the laws after months of unrest.
COVID-19 Second Wave: When the Govt Vanished
During the second wave of the pandemic, Dr. Khatri said, the public was left to fend for itself in search of oxygen and hospital beds, while the government remained focused on image management. “The queues outside crematoriums are still fresh in the nation’s memory,” he said.
Galwan Valley: A Silence That Hurt the Nation
Touching on the Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, Dr. Khatri criticised the Prime Minister’s controversial statement denying any incursion. “That was not just misleading the public—it was a betrayal of our soldiers’ sacrifice.”
Inflation and Injustice
From skyrocketing prices of essential goods to the delay in women’s reservation, Dr. Khatri accused the Modi government of hollow rhetoric and misplaced priorities. “Announcements are made before elections, but implementation is always postponed,” he said.
Institutions Undermined, Democracy Diminished
Finally, Dr. Khatri condemned the “weaponisation of central agencies like the CBI and ED” to suppress opposition voices and curtail parliamentary debate. “The soul of the Constitution—dialogue and consensus—has been crushed,” he said.
‘The Country Must Choose Truth Over Propaganda’
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Tanuj Khatri called for a national reckoning. “The country must now decide: Will it stay trapped in propaganda or move forward with open eyes and courage? Jharkhand is demanding justice, not slogans. A decisive struggle for water, forest, land, and identity is now inevitable.”
