From Birsa Munda’s land, new ‘Ulgulan’ rises to defend tribal identity
Khunti, April 8: A new tribal assertion movement—“Traditional Ulgulan” along with “Social Delisting”—has been launched in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, with a…
Khunti, April 8: A new tribal assertion movement—“Traditional Ulgulan” along with “Social Delisting”—has been launched in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, with a focus on safeguarding customary rights, cultural identity, and traditional governance systems.
Adding a significant institutional voice to the movement, Nesha Oraon, a 2009-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has emerged as a key figure advocating for the protection of tribal rights. Engaging closely with grassroots leaders and traditional institutions, she has been emphasising the use of constitutional provisions to preserve indigenous governance systems, land rights, and cultural practices.
Movement Begins in Birsa Munda’s Land
The campaign formally began in Khunti—the birthplace of tribal icon Birsa Munda—where tribal leaders, led by Nesha Oraon, submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner R. Ronita on Wednesday.
Leaders said the movement would follow the spirit of Birsa Munda’s historic Ulgulan, but would now be carried forward through constitutional and legal means rather than traditional armed resistance.
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Protest Against ‘Non-Traditional’ Structures
The memorandum opposes newly introduced bodies such as “Jiuri Gram Sabha,” “Model Gram Sabha,” and “Sanyukt Padha”, which the community claims are inconsistent with traditional systems.
Terming them as “cultural intrusion”, the protesters alleged that such structures threaten indigenous identity and must not be recognised.
Concerns Over Traditional Roles and Land
The community raised objections over the appointment of individuals to traditional posts such as Gram Pradhan, Pahan (village priest), and Padha Raja, arguing that these roles carry religious responsibilities.
They maintained that individuals who have converted cannot fulfil these duties in line with customary traditions. Allegations were also made regarding encroachment on Bhuihari and Khuntkatti lands, with demands for restoration under traditional Gram Sabha control.
Constitutional Safeguards Cited
The protesters invoked the PESA Act and Articles 25, 26, and 29 of the Constitution, asserting their right to preserve religious and cultural practices.
They demanded that only those Gram Sabhas be recognised where traditional functionaries—such as Munda, Pahan, Mahto, and Painbhara—are appointed as per established customs.
Movement to Expand Across State
Leaders clarified that the movement is not against any particular community but is aimed at protecting tribal traditions and identity.
The launch event saw participation from representatives across districts, including Lohardaga, with village heads and Pahans from around 60 villages, indicating growing support.
Prominent attendees included Nesha Oraon, Amrita Munda, Mangal Singh Munda, Chunku Munda, Net Munda, Dahru Pahan, Rupesh Bakhla, and others.
Leaders announced that the “Traditional Ulgulan” and “Social Delisting” campaign, launched on April 8, will now expand to other parts of Jharkhand.
