Chakradharpur, September 4, 2026: A delegation of tribal rights activists from the Kolhan region has left for Delhi to participate in a two-day programme focused on tribal rights, displacement, education, identity and mineral-related concerns.
The delegation travelled from Ranchi to Delhi by train on September 4. It will attend a National Tribal Conference at Mavalankar Hall on September 6, followed by a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar on September 7 against the Khan and Mineral Amendment Bill 2026.
Young social activists from Kolhan, including Birsingh Banra, Nirmal Sinku, Laxmi Purty, Hiramani Devgam, Sushila Bodra, Sushma Biruli and Brijmohan Diggi, are part of the delegation and will represent the Adivasi Ho community.
Four issues to dominate conference
The conference is being organised under the banner of the Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch and will focus on four broad issues:
- Forest rights and displacement
- Exclusion and discrimination against tribal communities
- Education and employment rights of tribal students
- Protection of tribal identity, culture, language and beliefs
Representatives from several states are expected to attend, including Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Bihar.
The conference will begin with a welcome address by the forum’s national president Jitendra Chaudhary. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur is scheduled to inaugurate the event.
Former MP and national convenor of the forum Dr Pulin Bihari Baskey will address the conference on its central theme.
Reports, discussions and future strategy
Reports covering the four identified issues will be presented during the conference, followed by discussions among delegates.
The participants are also expected to discuss a future course of action and strategy for pursuing the issues raised at the national level.
The closing address is scheduled to be delivered by forum vice-president and former MP Brinda Karat.
Jantar Mantar protest planned for September 7
The conference will be followed by a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on September 7 against the Khan and Mineral Amendment Bill 2026.
The Kolhan delegation’s participation connects the region’s tribal rights concerns with the wider national campaign being organised under the Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch.
The September 6-7 programme will therefore bring together tribal representatives and activists from multiple states for discussions on rights-related issues and a public demonstration over the proposed legislation.
