Phansidewa, 15th June: The Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan (ASA) of the Darjeeling District Committee staged a protest by organizing a road blockade on National Highway 31 (NH 31) at Ghoshpukur in Phansidewa.
The purpose of the protest was to demand the recognition of Sarna Dharma as a tribal religion, the liberation of Parasnath Mountain from Jains and its return to the tribal community, the grant of Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to tribal people in Andaman and Assam, the democratization of Majhi Pargana, and the implementation of constitutional measures opposing the inclusion of Kudmi Mahto in the ST category.
Armed with bows and arrows, the members of the organization actively participated in today’s traffic blockade, effectively bringing traffic to a standstill. Meanwhile, police officials, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of the Darjeeling district police, arrived at the scene to maintain control.
District President Renuka Mardi emphasized that if their demands were not met, a significant uproar would be planned over the next few days. Additionally, a brigade campaign will be launched on June 30 in Kolkata to address the entire issue.