Jharkhand remembered veteran tribal leader and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren on his first death anniversary on Tuesday, as thousands of people gathered at his ancestral village Nemra in Ramgarh district to pay tribute. The occasion was marked by emotional tributes, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren unveiling a 14-foot-tall statue of the late leader and highlighting his contribution to the creation and development of Jharkhand.

During the commemorative programme, Chief Minister Hemant Soren also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 102.5 crore. Paying homage to his father, he described Shibu Soren’s death as an irreparable loss not only for the Soren family but for the entire state. He said the legacy of “Dishom Guru” would continue to guide Jharkhand’s people and inspire future generations.

Addressing the gathering, Hemant Soren recalled his father’s lifelong struggle for the rights, identity and welfare of tribal communities. He said Shibu Soren dedicated decades of his life to protecting the interests of indigenous people, especially their connection with “jal, jungle and zameen” (water, forests and land). The Chief Minister said the newly installed statue at Nemra would help younger generations understand the history and sacrifices behind Jharkhand’s movement for identity and justice.

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The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of remembering the struggles faced by people in the region even after Independence. He said the hardships, exploitation and sacrifices made by earlier generations played a crucial role in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state. He added that preserving this history was essential for building a stronger and more inclusive future.

Recalling his family’s history, Hemant Soren also referred to the memorial of his grandfather Sobran Manjhi near the venue. He said his grandfather was killed by anti-social elements before his own birth and warned that divisive forces continue to challenge social harmony. Without naming any group, he stressed that unity, mutual respect and collective responsibility were necessary to protect the state’s values.

Hemant Soren said the creation of Jharkhand was made possible through the sacrifices and efforts of Shibu Soren and other leaders of the Jharkhand movement. He urged citizens to continue working towards development while ensuring that welfare schemes reach every section of society. The Chief Minister also paid tribute to all martyrs of the statehood movement, saying their sacrifices would remain a source of inspiration for Jharkhand’s future generations.

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