In West Singhbhum, a meeting convened by various tribal organizations and public representatives took place at the Kala and Sanskriti Bhawan in Sonua block to voice opposition to the inclusion of the Kudmi and Mahato communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. Uday Purti presided over the meeting.
Following discussions, it was decided to postpone the Manoharpur assembly-level rally, initially planned for October 12 in Goilkera, and reschedule it for October 18 at the Sonua block headquarters. The date alteration was prompted by a significant event in Goilkera on October 14, commemorating the Shaheed Diwas of Veer Shaheed Devendra Majhi.
A decision was made to launch a village-level public awareness campaign to maximize participation in the upcoming rally. The resolution emphasized a peaceful, democratic rally, yet one with a resounding voice intended to capture the attention of government and administration.
Pator Joko, representing the Adivasi Samaj Mahasabha and Adivasi Samanvay Samiti, argued that the proposal to include the Kudmi and Mahato communities within the Scheduled Tribe classification is unsupported by historical and factual evidence. This, he contended, constitutes a direct infringement on the identity, rights, and recognition of tribal society. Joko clarified that the demonstration is not merely a protest, but rather a pledge to safeguard their identity and future.
The meeting unanimously agreed to maintain a non-violent approach throughout the movement, aiming to include all sectors of society.
Attendees included Dr. Dinesh Chandra Boypai, Mahendra Jamuda, Govinda Jamuda, Kedarnath Nayak, Hemant Soren, Ganesh Chandra Bodra, Budh Lal Purti, Manoj Nayak, Janki Hembrom, Surya Bahanda, Siddharth Bodra, and Jaipal Hembrom.