Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren: “We will always protect the rights of Saranda forest residents”

Ranchi/Chaibasa: The ongoing legal battle that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is fighting in the Supreme Court received strong support on Tuesday as the people of Kolhan-Saranda region took to the streets in solidarity.

Residents of the Saranda forest area expressed their resolve to ensure that no harm comes to the people living in the region. According to information, the Chief Minister’s primary concern remains the well-being of the Saranda forest dwellers.

“We are resolving the disputes inherited from the past. My main concern is for the people living in the Saranda region. My fight is to ensure that the very people who nurtured and protected the forest are not harassed by rigid rules and regulations,” said CM Soren.

He further emphasized, “We are fighting and will continue to fight for the rights of the local people. We can afford to overlook mineral resources for some time, but we will never compromise on the rights of the people. Our government is approaching the court with the firm resolve to protect the rights of those living in the area. We will accept the court’s decision only when it considers these humanitarian concerns. This battle is not just theirs, but mine too, and we will make every effort to win it.” Meanwhile, several tribal organisations submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner addressed to Governor, urging reconsideration of the Saranda Sanctuary matter. They also announced a planned economic blockade across the Kolhan region on October 25 to press for their demands.