THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 11: A delegation from the Adivasi Samanvay Samiti Bharat (Assam) met Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday to highlight the challenges faced by Adivasi (tribal) families living in Assam’s tea garden areas.
The delegates informed the Chief Minister that Adivasi communities in Assam are suffering due to the continued indifference of the state government there. They said that despite their long-standing presence in Assam, these communities have been consistently left behind in social, educational, and economic sectors. They also expressed concern that their identity and rights are under threat.
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Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured the delegation that the Jharkhand government would take positive steps to safeguard the rights, identity, and welfare of Adivasis residing in Assam. He reiterated that the protection of Adivasi culture, traditions, and entitlements remains a top priority for his government.
Soren said that a Jharkhand government delegation will soon visit Assam to assess the current situation of Adivasi families living there.
He reaffirmed his earlier stand in favour of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Adivasi workers in Assam’s tea gardens and added that Jharkhand would actively work towards ensuring an increase in their daily wages. He also stated that issues related to land rights of Adivasi families in the region would be taken up.
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The delegation reminded the Chief Minister that during the British era, many Adivasi families from Jharkhand were taken to Assam to work in tea gardens, and even today their descendants face discrimination and neglect. They urged Soren to lead their cause to ensure their concerns reach both the Centre and the Assam government.
Those present at the meeting included Tribal Affairs Minister Chandra Linga, Jiten Kerketta, Birsa Munda, Tarun Munda, Ganesh, Ajit Purti, Rajesh Bhuri, Babulal Munda, Mangal Hembram, and others.
