CPI(ML) and Jharkhand Construction Workers’ Union organised a sit-in protest at block headquarter in Khelari block of Ranchi district on 15 September with a 15-point ‘people’s charter of demands’. This was as a part of statewide campaign being taken up by the CPI(ML) on the occasion of completion of thousand days of BJP government in Jharkhand which is marked by series of betrayal of promises and attacks on basic democratic and livelihood rights of common masses particularly adivasis, workers and peasants. Various local level issues, unfulfilled promises and incidents of atrocities on dalits and minorities are being raised during this campaign. A massive march was held by hundreds of people in Khelari market before the sit-in which was centred around increased corruption in the block office, ration cards, health cards, construction of homes for the needy, pension and other problem. CPI(ML) Ranchi district secretary Bhuvaneshwar Kevat addressed the dharna and said that thousand days of this government reminds us of increased woes of the people but sadly this occasion is being celebrated by the pro-government forces which means nothing but an indication of more bad days to come. Dozens of farmers had to commit suicide, more than 800 children died in two government hospitals due to lack of facilities during last eight months, lands are being looted through land banks and acquisitions, dozens of minority community people have been made victims of mob lynching, any pro-people government will feel ashamed of such happenings. Comrades Kishore Pandit, Mahavir Munda, Etwari Devi, Shoti Lohra, Merry Toppo, Shanti Sen and many others also addressed the gathering.
A similar protest was held at Mandu block of Ramgarh district on 11 September. Distribution of forest land pattas under the Forest Rights Act 2006 to adivasis, dalits and oppressed families, allocation of work under MNREGA, compensation for the crop loss due to damage by elephants, to give villagers’ a role in forest plantations and protection, distribution of saplings among villagers and many other forest related issues were raised here. Speakers condemned government’s total withdrawal from addressing these genuine issues and also increased atrocities on adivasis and dalits in the area.
People of village Chaparai-Bumari in Mandu block demanded forest land pattas to advisasis and dalits on priority for the land of cashew nut plantation after quick processing of applications given. They also demanded to take action against the nexus of brokers and officials. Their another demand was to exclude residential areas from making forest trenches.
