In a significant move to address a historical tragedy, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Thursday the formation of a special committee. This panel will be tasked with identifying the families of those killed in the Kharsawan police firing on January 1, 1948.
A Step Towards Historical Justice
The announcement was made by CM Soren while he was paying tributes to the deceased at Shaheed Sthal in Kharsawan. He stated that the primary objective of the committee is to ensure that the families of these martyrs receive due honour and state benefits, similar to the recognition extended to the kin of victims of the 1980 Gua police firing.
"It is the responsibility of the state government to give due honour and benefits to the martyrs' families," Hemant Soren emphasized. He further explained that the committee will delve deep into historical records to compile a comprehensive and accurate list of all those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Recounting the 1948 Tragedy
The backdrop to this announcement is a dark chapter in the region's history. On January 1, 1948, hundreds of tribal people had gathered at what is now known as Shaheed Sthal in Kharsawan. They were planning an agitation to demand a separate homeland from Odisha, of which the area was a part at the time.
The assembly was held in defiance of prohibitory orders. This led the police to open fire on the crowd, resulting in the death of several tribal activists and protesters. The site remains a poignant memorial to the struggle for statehood and tribal rights.
Deadline and Broader Empowerment
The Chief Minister set a clear deadline for the committee's work. He said the state government aims to complete the identification process before the next Shaheed Diwas on January 1, 2027. "The committee will see to it that no eligible family is left out of the government recognition, and the welfare schemes designed for the descendants of the martyrs," Soren assured.
Addressing a public gathering, the CM connected the sacrifice of the past to present-day governance. "Our ancestors sacrificed their lives not only to attain statehood but also to protect the land, forest and the water bodies which are close to the heart of the tribals," he remarked.
He also highlighted other pro-people initiatives, stating that the recently approved draft PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) rules will empower village committees (gram sabhas) in Scheduled areas. Furthermore, he urged farmers to explore installing solar panels in their fields to generate and sell power, thereby creating new revenue streams.
The tribute ceremony was also attended by Minister Deepak Birua, Singhbhum MP Jobha Majhi, and other prominent leaders, who paid their respects to the martyrs of the Kharsawan firing.
