Batons and bullets can’t solve problems: CM Hemant Soren’s message to agitating students
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 9: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday appealed to agitating students and youth to have…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 9: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday appealed to agitating students and youth to have faith in the government, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue and that those responsible for irregularities in recruitment examinations would face stringent action.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Jharkhand Tribal Festival at Morhabadi Ground on the occasion of World Tribal Day, Soren said the government was taking the concerns of students seriously and would ensure justice to those affected by alleged irregularities.
‘Fraud has been uncovered, youth will get justice’
Addressing the gathering, Soren said the alleged fraud in the recruitment process had been uncovered and assured the protesting youth that they would get justice.
He said those found responsible for irregularities would face the harshest possible punishment under the law and urged students and job aspirants to maintain faith in the government.
The Chief Minister said his government was concerned about the problems of all sections of Jharkhand’s population, including farmers, workers, women, men and young people living in both rural and urban areas.
Soren asks students to stay away from political influence
Soren also appealed to agitating students and youth not to seek the patronage of political parties.
He alleged that some political parties and influential individuals were attempting to mislead young people by circulating incorrect information. Instead, he urged students to place their grievances directly before the government.
The Chief Minister said the government would listen not only to students participating in the protests but also to young people who were not part of the ongoing agitation.
He assured the youth that the process of addressing their grievances would be transparent and that the government’s actions would be visible to everyone.
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‘Problems cannot be solved through batons or bullets’
In a pointed reference to the ongoing student protests, Soren said problems in a democracy could be resolved through dialogue rather than force.
He said batons, bullets and other coercive measures could not provide solutions to issues involving citizens. Such measures, he remarked, were meant for dealing with enemies at the borders, while problems within the country should be resolved by sitting together and engaging in dialogue.
Soren also criticised attempts to suppress public voices through intimidation, defamation or force. He said that in a democracy, the voices of citizens must be heard rather than suppressed.
CM highlights inequality and constitutional values
Speaking about social inequality, Soren referred to the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and observed that complete equality had still not been achieved even 75 years after Independence.
He said economic disparities had widened, with the poor becoming poorer and the rich becoming richer, contributing to growing tensions in society and the country.
Tribal Festival celebrates Jharkhand’s identity
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of the Jharkhand Tribal Festival, saying it was not merely a celebration of tribal culture and traditions but also an assertion of the community’s identity, existence and rights.
He said Jharkhand was a land of heroes whose ancestors had fought against injustice and exploitation even before Independence. As a relatively young state completing 25 years, Jharkhand was still striving to establish itself and stand on its own feet, he said.
Soren stressed the need to protect water, forests, land and tribal identity for future generations.
“I am not old either,” Soren told the youth, adding that their sentiments and concerns were also the concerns of the government. He reiterated that the government would seek to resolve the students’ grievances through dialogue.
Governor, CM inaugurate two-day Tribal Festival
The Jharkhand Tribal Festival began at Morhabadi Ground in Ranchi on Sunday, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar attending the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. Chief Minister Hemant Soren and other public representatives were also present.
The festival showcases Jharkhand’s rich tribal culture, art, traditions and folk heritage through traditional dance, music and cultural performances.
More than 600 artists are expected to participate, with performances representing the Mundari, Kurukh, Santhali, Ho and Kharia tribal communities. Cultural programmes will also feature Panchpargania, Kurmali, Nagpuri and Khortha languages.
Stalls featuring traditional tribal cuisine, attire, handicrafts and other forms of indigenous art have been set up at the venue. A book fair focusing on tribal literature and publications, along with film and documentary screenings and fashion shows, is also part of the festival.
A drone show is scheduled as one of the major attractions of the festival, while the closing ceremony will be held on August 10 at 4:30 pm.
