Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) held statewide demonstrations at district headquarters on Tuesday, demanding official recognition of the Sarna religion through a separate code in the national census. In Ranchi, JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya declared that Jharkhand was not given as a gift, but earned through relentless struggle and sacrifice. He affirmed that the Sarna religious code would also be secured through continued perseverance.
Bhattacharya stressed that the protection of Jal (water), Jungle (forest), and Zameen (land) is intrinsically linked to the recognition of the Sarna faith. He insisted that the religion must be distinctly listed in the upcoming national census. Accusing the BJP of politicizing religion, he asserted that Adivasis are the original inhabitants and rightful custodians of the land. He reiterated JMM’s longstanding demand for a dedicated Sarna code in the census to formally recognize the tribal community’s unique religious identity.
The call for a Sarna religion code arises from the tribal community’s desire for acknowledgment of their distinct spiritual beliefs, rituals, and cultural heritage—markedly different from other major religions in India. Although the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution supporting a separate Sarna code, the central government has yet to act on it.
The JMM also launched a sharp critique of the central government, accusing it of systematically undermining the constitutional rights of Adivasis. Party leaders warned that unless a separate religious identity is granted to the tribal population, they would resist the implementation of any caste-based census. They further cautioned that failure to meet this demand would spark a large-scale movement across the state.
JMM leaders and supporters stood united in their demand for the Sarna code, vowing to continue the fight until the tribal community’s identity and heritage are rightfully recognized and respected.