Shibu Soren Remembered on First Death Anniversary as Hemant Soren Unveils Statue in Native Village

Ranchi: Jharkhand paid heartfelt tributes to veteran tribal leader and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren on his first death anniversary on Tuesday, with thousands of people gathering at his ancestral village, Nemra, in Ramgarh district, to honour his legacy.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren unveiled a 14-foot-tall statue of his father during the commemorative event and became emotional while recalling the immense contribution Shibu Soren made to the creation and development of Jharkhand.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 102.5 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Hemant Soren said the loss of "Dishom Guru" was not just a personal tragedy for the Soren family but an irreplaceable loss for the people of Jharkhand. He described his father as a leader who devoted his entire life to protecting the rights, identity and interests of tribal communities while leading the struggle to safeguard "jal, jungle and zameen" (water, forests and land).

He said Shibu Soren's life and sacrifices would continue to inspire generations, adding that the newly installed statue would serve as a reminder of the state's long struggle for justice and identity.

The Chief Minister urged young people to understand the challenges faced by Jharkhand's people even after Independence and to remember the sacrifices of those who fought against exploitation. He said preserving this history is essential for shaping a better future.

In an emotional moment, Hemant Soren recalled his grandfather, Sobran Manjhi, whose memorial stands near the event venue. He said his grandfather was killed by anti-social elements before he was born and noted that divisive forces continue to exist in society even today.

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Without directly naming anyone, he cautioned against attempts to create divisions among people and stressed that Jharkhand's true strength lies in unity, social harmony and mutual respect.

Pointing to the large gathering at Nemra, the Chief Minister said the presence of people from across the state reflected the deep respect and affection that Shibu Soren continues to command among the public.

He said the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state became possible because of the relentless struggle and sacrifices of Shibu Soren and many other leaders of the Jharkhand movement. The government's responsibility now, he added, is to carry forward that vision by ensuring balanced development and extending the benefits of welfare schemes to every section of society.

Concluding his address, Hemant Soren reaffirmed his government's commitment to inclusive development and paid tribute to all the martyrs of the Jharkhand movement, saying their sacrifices would continue to inspire the state's progress for generations to come.

With inputs from IANS