Hemant Soren pays tribute to Nirmal Mahto, recalls sacrifices behind Jharkhand statehood
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 8: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday paid tribute to veteran Jharkhand movement leader and martyr Nirmal…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 8: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday paid tribute to veteran Jharkhand movement leader and martyr Nirmal Mahto on his martyrdom day, recalling his contribution to the struggle for a separate Jharkhand state and the sacrifices made by generations of activists.
Soren visited the Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Memorial at Uliyan in Kadma, where he paid floral tributes at the martyr’s statue and offered his respects.
A large number of political leaders, public representatives, Jharkhand movement supporters and members of Nirmal Mahto’s family attended the memorial programme.
Savita Mahto, MLA and wife of former Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Sudhir Mahto, was also present at the programme. Nearly all legislators from the Kolhan region attended the event.
Hemant Soren Recalls Nirmal Mahto’s Contribution to Jharkhand Movement
Speaking on the occasion, Soren said Nirmal Mahto’s contribution and sacrifice would always remain an integral part of Jharkhand’s history.
He said Jharkhand was created after a prolonged statehood movement in which numerous people laid down their lives, adding that their sacrifices could never be forgotten.
“As long as the sun and moon exist, the name of martyr Nirmal Mahto will remain immortal,” Soren said.
Describing Jharkhand as the “land of brave people”, the Chief Minister said many people had shed their blood and endured immense hardships during the movement for a separate state.
“Nirmal Mahto was one of the prominent leaders of the Jharkhand movement. He worked tirelessly to mobilise people and strengthen the demand for a separate state,” Soren said.
He added that Mahto’s leadership, commitment and contribution had left an enduring imprint on the history of Jharkhand.
Leaders Pay Homage to Shaheed Nirmal Mahto
The memorial programme resonated with slogans of “Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Amar Rahe” as leaders, activists and supporters paid homage to the martyr.
The gathering also recalled the sacrifices of countless activists who participated in the long-drawn Jharkhand statehood movement. Soren said the struggle was not merely a political movement but a collective effort involving students, youth and people from different sections of society.
He said the sacrifices of those who fought for the creation of Jharkhand would continue to inspire future generations.
Soren Recalls Student Movement, Criticises BJP
Speaking to the media, Soren also recalled the student movement associated with the Jharkhand statehood struggle and criticised the BJP over its opposition to the movement.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the history of Jharkhand could not be understood without acknowledging the sacrifices of its martyrs and movement leaders.
The annual observance at the Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Memorial turned into a solemn gathering as political leaders, activists, movement supporters and family members remembered Mahto’s legacy and paid tribute to the ideals, struggles and sacrifices that shaped the movement for a separate Jharkhand state.
