Tribals rue state government’s inaction on Pathalgadi cases

Rights activists have started organising themselves to discuss the status of Pathalgadi cases filed against 200 tribals, only 60 per cent of which had been withdrawn, signalling a growing disenchantment with the government of Hemant Soren who was able to unseat the BJP by projecting the JMM-led coalition as a champion of tribal rights.

On Friday, Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, a conglomeration of tribal and rights bodies, organised a state-level seminar in Ranchi to discuss the issue and concluded that the ruling JMM-led government was not honouring its promise of protecting tribals from police atrocities.

On 29 December 2019, after taking oath as chief minister, Hemant announced the withdrawal of all cases against tribals for having launched Pathalgadi, a tribal ritual of honouring their ancestors by erecting stone slabs that had effectively prevented the entry of district administrations in places like Khunti and Seraikela-Kharswan and West Singhbhum.

The chief minister’s announcement was met with widespread appreciation and support. The former government, headed by Raghubar Das, had come down heavily on the Pathalgadi movement and responded with police action after which several cases were filed against those who took part in the stir, including several adivasi village heads.

Cases were filed against 200 named and over 10,000 unnamed people for alleged abetment and obstruction of public servants from discharging their duty, creation of public nuisance, criminal intimidation and sedition. 

However, now, a year later, the cases are yet to be withdrawn and many adivasis continue to be in jail, activists pointed out. “Right to Information applications filed in the last few months show that there are 30 FIRs, spread across Khunti (23), Saraikela-Kharsawan (5) and West Singhbhum (2) districts, related to Pathalgadi cases,” the Mahasabha noted in a statement.