Indigenous people demand separate land commission
Santal revolution day observed
RU Correspondent
Indigenous people, at a press conference held at Rajshahi Public Library auditorium in Rajshahi yesterday, demanded of the government a separate land commission for them.Adivashi Unnayan Sangatha (AUS), an NGO, organised the press conference to mark the 152nd anniversary of Santal Hul (revolution). AUS executive director Bhagabat Tudu read out a written statement on the occasion. He announced a three-day programme for Kakonhat and Rajshahi city. The programmes included discussion, colourful rally, placing of wreath at the graves of Santal heroes, arrow throwing competition and drama depicting the life and culture of indigenous people. The first day programme began at Kakonhat Sundurpur village in Rajshahi yesterday with a vow to establish rights of indigenous people. AUS will also award 'Sidhu-Kanu Award' after the names of two brothers, Sidhu and Kanu, who spearheaded the Santal Hul. The award giving ceremony will be held at 'Padma Mancho' in Rajshahi city on Monday. At the press conference, the AUS executive director put forward various demands of indigenous people for an end to persecution on ethnic minorities so that they can ensure their right to practice their religion, language and culture independently.. AUS urged all the indigenous people of northern region to hold the programmes unitedly and peacefully. Santal rebellion, the first ever uprising against the British colonial rule in 1855 and 1856, was an outburst of year-long neglect to the indigenous community.
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