Only 36 anti-atrocity cases filed since 2000 in Jharkhand's Adivasi dominated district

By Our Representative
A Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (JJM) youth conference in Ranchi saw participants expressing serious concern over rising majoritarianism, mob lynching, exploitation of Adivasis, Dalits and minorities, and lack of employment opportunities among the youth, even as expressing serious concern over refusal of the police to file cases under the anti-atrocities Act.
Criticizing the state’s cops, an activist with the civil rights organization, Manki Tubid, said that he had sought a reply from the West Singhbhum district police about the number of cases filed under the scheduled caste (SC)-scheduled tribe (ST) atrocities Act since the creation of the state, November 2000.

"I found out that only 36 cases have been filed in the whole district till now”, he said, adding, “The investigation is still going on in most of the cases, especially against the accused who are economically strong.” Adivasis form 67% of West Singhbhum district's population

A network of several people’s organisations and activists, JMM's conference saw animated discussions on current socio-political and cultural challenges facing the Jharkhand youth and to chart a way forward. While Faisal Anurag recounted the political and cultural history of Jharkhand, Dayamani shared details of continuous attack on land of Adivasis and the need to unite against all such attempts. She shared that the youth need to remember the struggles and contribution of Birsa Munda and Sidho-Kanho who died at a young age for their community.
Aloka, who has been charged with sedition because of a Facebook post, discussed attacks on freedom of expression. Jacinta Kerketta talked of the need to inculcate values of equality and egalitarianism enshrined in the Adivasi community and how they are getting eroded. Meghnath pointed towards how cultural initiatives have always been part of people’s struggles in the state and the need to strengthen them in the current times.
Birendra Kumar discussed the ongoing exploitation of marginalised communities. Reservation is essential for social justice but the BJP and RSS are continuously attacking it, he said, adding, the youth need to unite against the anti-people policies of the government politically. The upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections present an opportunity.

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