Jharkhand Guv CM pay floral tributes to Birsa Munda on his death anniversary

    Ranchi, Jun 9 (PTI) Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday paid floral tributes to tribal icon Birsa Munda on his death anniversary, saying he sacrificed his life for the country’s freedom struggle.
    Munda, who was born on November 15, 1875 in Jharkhand, had led a tribal uprising against the British. He died at a young age of 25 on June 9, 1900 while in custody.
    "On the death anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda ji, a symbol of tribal identity, culture and self-respect, who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of the motherland, we bow down and pay our heartfelt tribute," Gangwar said in a post on X.
    He also garlanded the statue of the tribal warrior at Raj Bhavan and the Kokar Memorial here.
    Soren said the ideals of ‘Dharti Aba’ (Birsa Munda), who led the 'Ulgulan’ (revolution) against the British, will always show the path of patriotism and struggle against injustice to future generations.
    The CM also garlanded the icon's statue at Birsa Chowk here.
    Later in a post on X, Soren said: “The life struggles and ideals of ‘Dharti Aba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda will always inspire us. May the brave martyrs of Jharkhand remain immortal. Jai Birsa, Jai Jharkhand.”
    Former Jharkhand chief minister and BJP leader Champai Soren, too, paid homage to Birsa Munda, and asserted that there is a need to wage a war to ensure tribal rights.
    “Today is the death anniversary of a great tribal icon. Once again, we call upon tribals to come forward to protect their sacred places and heritage. There is a need for an ‘ulgulan’ (rebellion), as tribal interests and welfare have taken a back seat despite 25 years of Jharkhand’s existence,” he said.
    Referring to the inauguration of a Rs 357-crore flyover in Ranchi, with the tribal community expressing their apprehension over construction of a ramp at Siramtoli, Champai Soren said the “harm” done to them will not be forgotten.
    Hemant Soren had last week inaugurated the flyover in state capital Ranchi to ease traffic flow.
    The inauguration took place a day after massive protests by tribal outfits, who have been demanding the demolition of a ramp built at Siramtoli near Sarna Sthal, considered a sacred religious place.
    The flyover has been named after 'Kartik Oraon', a veteran tribal Congress leader who had served as a Union minister in former prime minister Indira Gandhi's cabinet.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)