SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Feb 4: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president and Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday called upon tribal communities across the country to unite against the exploitation of tribal workers in the tea gardens.
Addressing the 54th foundation day of the JMM at the Golf Ground in Dhanbad, Soren said it was a matter of serious concern that the tea industry runs on the labour of tribal people, yet they continue to face exploitation.
Historic Exploitation of Tribal Labour
The Chief Minister said that around 150 years ago, tribal people from Jharkhand were taken to tea gardens in Siliguri, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana and other parts of the country, often at gunpoint, to work as labourers.
“Even today, they are struggling for their very existence, but no one is taking cognisance of their plight,” he said.
Will Raise Issue with Prime Minister
Calling the issue alarming, Soren said he would soon meet the Prime Minister to press for better living and working conditions for tribal labourers in tea gardens.
He added that tribal people have not only sustained the tea industry but have also played a major role in the development of Gujarat and other states, yet they have not received their due rights.
ALSO READ: After 25 years, Jharkhand High Court ends lecturer appointment battle
Centre Accused of Step-Motherly Treatment
Alleging step-motherly treatment by the Centre, the Chief Minister said Jharkhand could have been more developed than states like Telangana, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh if it had received its rightful share of financial resources.
“As our party founders achieved a separate Jharkhand state through agitation, we will also secure the state’s pending dues through struggle,” he said.
Appeal Ahead of Civic Body Elections
Soren urged tribal communities to demonstrate unity in the upcoming civic body elections, asserting that Jharkhand has made significant contributions to the country. Still, its people have been left with poverty, illiteracy and exploitation.
JMM’s Foundation Rooted in Dhanbad
The JMM chief said the party was founded at midnight on February 4, 1973. While foundation day events are held in different districts on different dates, the celebration at Dhanbad’s Golf Ground holds special significance as the party was founded there by its senior leaders.