The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s (JMM) fourth phase of Jharkhand Sangharsh Yatra kick started from Ramgarh Chutupalu Ghati with JMM executive president, Hemant Soren raking up issue of displacement, agrarian crisis, unemployment and corruption.

Freedom fighters Shiekh Bikhari and Tikait Umrao Singh were hanged by the Britishers following the revolt of 1857 in the Chutupalu Ghati on 1858. With an attempt to re-connect with local people invoking State history and culture, Sangharsh Yatra has started from places which are historically important for Jharkhand.

The JMM launched its first phase of Sangharsh Yatra in September 2018 from Kolhan region at Uliyan in Jamshedpur. Uliyan in Jamshedpur has remained important destination of JMM politics as it was the place where Nirmal Mahto, one of the chief architects of separate statehood was gunned down.  Mahto, the tribal leader and trade unionist was gunned down in 1987.

The second phase was organised at Ulihatu village of Khunti, the birth place of Dharti Aba Birsa Munda.

Similarly, the third phase of Jharkhand Sangharsh Yatra was launched from freedom fighter Nilamber Pitambar’s memorial place in Rudramurtiya in Latehar district. Nilambar and Pitambar were two freedom fighters brothers and united the people of Palamu against British rule. On March 28, 1859 British army hanged them without registering a case against them.

JMM MLA from Baharagora, Kunal Sarangi said, “The JMM for its Sangharsh Yatra has selected such places which are linked with State’s rich history and culture. We have selected such places which are directly or indirectly associated with freedom fighters or persons who have sacrificed their lives for separate statehood.”

Addressing the gathering at Chutupalu Ghati, JMM executive president Hemant Soren, attacked the State Government and Centre for their failure to take up issue of unemployment, agrarian crisis and migration, urging the people to show door to Narendra Modi Government in centre and Raghubar Das Government in State.  He said, “The Raghubar Das Government has failed to take up issue of Para teachers, JPSC candidates and displacement issue. Much of promises of State Government are like jumla.”

The JMM’s fourth phase Sangharsh Yatra is also to move to Muniyadih in Tundi block of Giridih district. Muniadih in Tundi block like Uliyan in Jamshedpur too has remained vital centre of JMM statehood movement.

JMM chief Sibu Soren around four decades back launched the separate statehood and movement against ‘dikus’ or outsiders from Maniadih village in Tundi block of Dhanbad district.

JMM general secretary and party spokesperson, Supriyo Bhattacharya said, “the fourth phase of Sangharsh Yatra which started today will run till February 17. During these seven days, Soren’s Yatra will cover 1300 km under which he will address 18 public meetings falling under five Lok Sabha constituencies and 17 Nukkad Nataks.”

Bhattacharya further said, “Apart from holding public meeting, during Sangharsh Yatra, the JMM leader will also participate in road shows and night chaupals.”  The Sangharsh Yatra which started in September 2018 will cover 14 Lok Sabha seats and 65 Assembly segments.