THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Kharsawan (Jharkhand), January 1: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday announced that the Jharkhand government will form a special commission to identify and honour the descendants of martyrs of the Kharsawan massacre, calling it a historic step to preserve tribal legacy and grassroots dignity.
Speaking at Shaheed Park in Kharsawan on the 78th martyrdom anniversary of the massacre, the Chief Minister said the commission will include retired judges, local representatives, and social workers. It will examine official records, historical documents, and local traditions to identify martyr families and provide them recognition and financial assistance.
“The soil of Jharkhand is steeped in tales of martyrdom. Our brave people sacrificed their lives to protect water, forests, land, and identity,” CM Soren said.
Tributes Paid at Martyrs’ Memorial
The Chief Minister paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Vedi and Veer Shaheed Kerse Munda Chowk, along with Minister Deepak Birua, MP Joba Manjhi, MLAs Dashrath Gagrai, Sukhram Oraon, Samir Mohanty, Savita Mahto, Jagat Manjhi, former MLA Laxman Tudu, and other public representatives.
Thousands of local residents also gathered to honour the martyrs.
‘Moral Duty to Honour Martyrs’ Descendants’
Describing the initiative as a moral obligation, the Chief Minister said all martyr families will be identified and honoured within the next year. He added that the move is not just symbolic but a history-preservation effort aimed at educating younger generations about Jharkhand’s tribal struggles.
“Our struggle will continue until every martyr’s family receives its due respect,” he said.
Tribute to Baba Shibu Soren
Paying homage to Baba Shibu Soren, the architect of the Jharkhand movement, CM Soren said Guruji was not just a leader but an ideology of justice, equality, and self-respect.
“He gave constitutional recognition to tribal identity and showed us the path of dignity and humanity,” the Chief Minister said.
PESA Act to Strengthen Gram Swaraj
The Chief Minister said the PESA Act has been implemented in Jharkhand, empowering Gram Sabhas and Panchayats to take decisions on local resources.
“This law protects our water, forests, and land. It strengthens village self-governance and realises true Gram Swaraj,” he said.
He announced a statewide awareness campaign to ensure villagers fully understand their rights under the Act.
Jharkhand at 25: Focus on Education and Women Empowerment
Marking 25 years of Jharkhand, the Chief Minister said the state is entering a new phase of development. He highlighted initiatives such as:
- Guruji Credit Card Scheme: Education loans up to ₹15 lakh at 4% interest, repayable after employment
- Maiyan Samman Yojana: Empowering women through financial support and education
He urged the youth to follow the ideals of the martyrs and contribute actively to the state’s progress.
