JMM holds protest demanding Sarna religious code, says ‘Jharkhand was not a gift’

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) staged statewide demonstrations across district headquarters on Tuesday, demanding official recognition of the Sarna religion through a separate code in the national census. In Ranchi, JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said that Jharkhand was not granted as a favour but earned through sacrifice. He asserted that the Sarna religious code too would be achieved as a result of continued struggle and sacrifice.

Bhattacharya emphasized that to protect Jal (water), Jungle (forest), and Zameen (land), the Sarna faith must be acknowledged, and it must be counted explicitly in the upcoming census. Accusing the BJP of politicizing religion, he said that Adivasis are the original inhabitants and rightful owners of this land. He reiterated JMM’s demand that the Sarna faith be recognized with a separate code in the census form, thereby ensuring the tribal community’s distinct religious identity is formally acknowledged.

The demand for the Sarna religion code stems from the tribal community's desire for recognition of their unique faith, rituals, and cultural practices, which differ significantly from all other major religions. Though the Jharkhand Assembly has already passed a resolution in support of a separate Sarna code, the central government has yet to take any concrete action on the matter.

JMM also launched a sharp attack on the central government, accusing it of systematically violating the constitutional rights of Adivasis. Party leaders declared that unless the tribal community is granted a separate religious identity, they will not allow a caste-based census to proceed. The party warned of a large-scale state-wide movement if their demands are not met.

JMM leaders and workers stood united in their demand for the Sarna code and vowed to continue the struggle until justice is done for the tribal identity and heritage.