Protect our culture, ensure constitutional rights
Indigenous people reiterate demands
Indigenous people take part in their traditional archery at Rajshahi Collectorate ground during a daylong programme marking 156th anniversary of Santal Revolution yesterday.Photo: STAR
Indigenous people here have urged the government to take adequate steps to preserve their history and culture. They placed the demand while observing the 156th anniversary of Santal Revolution in the city yesterday. They called upon the authorities to enact laws to protect their culture and language, form a separate land commission and ensure the constitutional rights. Although the indigenous people live in villages in Godagari upazila, Adivashi Sangskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) organised the day-long programme in the city yesterday. The day's programme began with offerings to 'Sidhu and Kanu', the two brothers who spearheaded the Santal revolution. They are well-known among indigenous groups as Santal Hul. During 1855-57, Santals put up major revolts against the British rule. Some two million people, mostly Santals and farmers were killed in the movement. Marking the occasion, the indigenous people brought out a colourful procession in the city's Laxmipur area which followed a cultural function at Nanking Darbar Hall. The cultural programmes included traditional Santal dance and drama. In the traditional bow and arrow competition held among 24 Santal men at the district collectorate field, Hokna Murmu became first while Sushil Murmu, Anil Hasda, and Ganesh Hasda secured second, third and fourth places. At noon, information commissioner Prof Sadeka Halim attended a discussion in the city as the chief guest. She said indigenous communities are falling behind due to illiteracy and lack of their own political identity. Fourteen newly elected UP members belonging to indigenous communities were honoured with crests at the discussion. At the discussion, the speakers urged the government to observe the day at state level and to ensure rights of indigenous people and protect their land and culture. They said the indigenous people are deprived of their rights despite their sacrifices and role in the country's Liberation War in 1971.
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