Ranchi: The movement for the implementation of the Sarna religion code has gained fresh momentum in Dhanbad. Members of the Sonot Santhal community staged a powerful protest at Randhir Verma Chowk on Friday, demanding official recognition of their distinct religious identity and associated rights. Before the protest, a large procession was taken out by the community, which passed through various parts of the city before culminating at the protest site.
Dressed in traditional attire and carrying drums, nagadas, bows, and arrows, hundreds of tribal participants joined the demonstration in a show of unity and cultural pride.
Speaking at the protest site, community leaders Ramesh Tudu and Ratilal Tudu told the media that the demand for a Sarna religion code has been ongoing for years, yet the central government continues to ignore it. With the national census approaching, they expressed disappointment over the lack of a separate code for the tribal faith.
They emphasized that tribal communities are nature-worshippers, who hold water, forests, land, rivers, and mountains sacred, yet their beliefs are not acknowledged in official records.
The leaders stressed that the protest was not politically motivated but was purely focused on safeguarding tribal identity, traditions, and rights. The demonstration also saw active participation from women’s groups, youth organizations, and tribal cultural troupes.