Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a moving homage to the heroes of the Santhal Revolution, a historic rebellion against British colonial rule spearheaded by tribal communities in the 19th century, on Monday in honour of Hul Diwas.
In a post on social media site X (formerly Twitter), the prime minister paid tribute to the bravery, tenacity, and sacrifices made by tribal leaders Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phoolo-Jhano, who led thousands of people in rebellion against the British Raj's exploitative practices.
"Hul Diwas reminds us of the indomitable courage and remarkable valor of our tribal society. On this special occasion connected to the historic Santhal Revolution, I wholeheartedly pay tribute and honor to Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phoolo-Jhano, along with all those brave heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives fighting against the atrocities of foreign rule. Their saga of bravery will continue to inspire every generation of the nation to protect the pride of the motherland," PM Modi stated.
In honour of the heroic efforts of the Santhal tribals, led by Sidhu-Kanhu and Chand-Bhairav, who led a large-scale uprising against the repressive moneylenders, zamindars, and British administrative practices in Bhognadih—now in Sahibganj, Jharkhand—in 1855, Hul Kranti Diwas is celebrated annually on June 30. With almost 50,000 participants, the movement is still regarded as one of the first significant tribal uprisings against British rule in India.
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Although there was a national commemoration of the day, claims of police brutality caused controversy in Jharkhand. On Hul Diwas itself, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey vehemently denounced the Jharkhand government for allegedly employing force against Sido Kanhu's descendants in Bhognadih.
In a post on X, Dubey wrote, "In 1855, the hero of independence, Sido Kano, sacrificed his life today, meaning today is Hul Diwas. The @INCIndia government of Jharkhand, at Bhognadih, attacked Sido Kano's descendant Mandal Murmu, along with adults, the elderly, children, and women—beating them and attempting to kill them. Is this the love for tribals? Will the families of independence heroes live in such misery?"
The BJP leader's remarks, in which he questioned whether this is how the state government plans to honour tribal families who were instrumental in India's struggle for independence, have caused new political tension in the state. Voices from a wide range of political backgrounds have urged for the recognition, dignity, and protection of tribal communities who have long battled to uphold the nation's values and sovereignty as the nation commemorates the Santhal uprising, which even predates the 1857 uprising.
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