Pathalgadi movement gets more refined, demands implementation of rules

Pathalgadi movement, once regarded as a tribal separatist movement, was now getting more refined and polished, as its supporters start to raise demand for strict implementation of laws meant for administration of scheduled areas identified under the Constitution. On this line, social workers of five revenue villages in worst-hit Khunti district, which witnessed violent clashes between Pathalgadi supporters and police in 2017-18, summoned a two-day meeting of ‘Aadivasi Munda Samaj’ to create awareness about tribal culture and customs on March 18 and 19. Moreover, due to Covid-19, large gathering of people is not allowed.” Fearing police action, tribal social workers and supporters hesitate to directly link themselves to Pathalgadi movement. Refusing to equate this practice of raising stone plaques with Pathalgadi, Daneshwar Toppo, a member of the KNC, said, “We wanted strict implementation of 2007 gazette notification of Union ministry of law and justice under order 229, declaring 12 districts in Jharkhand as scheduled areas.