Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has announced that the martyrs of the Kharaswan firing incident will no longer remain anonymous. Following the example of the Gua massacre, the state government will soon form a committee to identify the martyrs and honor their families. A judicial inquiry commission will also be established for this purpose.
The Chief Minister visited the Kharaswan martyr site on Thursday, paid tribute to the martyrs, and stated that full recognition will be given before the next Martyrs’ Day. Refusing a guard of honor at the helipad, he personally visited the site to offer his respects.
Addressing the media, Hemant Soren said that while January 1 is New Year globally, for Jharkhand’s tribals, indigenous people, farmers, and laborers, it is Martyrs’ Day. “While people celebrate the New Year, the people of Jharkhand remember their martyrs. This defines Jharkhand’s identity and history,” he added.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Jharkhand’s history is full of struggle and sacrifice. From Kolhan and Santhal to Chotanagpur and Palamu, stories of martyrs are scattered across the state. Brave sons of the soil sacrificed their lives to protect land, water, and forests. Whether under British rule or after, the people of Jharkhand have always opposed injustice. The Kharaswan massacre is a prime example of this struggle.
Hemant Soren said that the government has drafted a plan to identify and honor the martyrs. After thorough review and approval, it will be implemented. Retired judges will be included in the judicial inquiry commission to ensure that no martyr or their family faces injustice. The government is committed not only to honoring the martyrs but also protecting the rights and dignity of their families.
The event was attended by Minister Deepak Birua, Singhbhum MP Joba Manjhi, Kharaswan MLA Dashrath Gagrai, Ichagarh MLA Savita Mahto, and other representatives. The Chief Minister was welcomed by the Martyr Memorial Committee.
MLA Dashrath Gagrai noted that the Kharaswan massacre is one of the largest firing incidents in independent India. On January 1, 1948, just four and a half months after independence, tribals protesting the inclusion of Kharaswan into Odisha were fired upon by police at the Kharaswan market, killing many innocent people. Since then, the tribal community observes January 1 as Martyrs’ Day, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives.
