Kokrajhar: Executive Member of BTR, Wilson Hasda, has extended an open invitation to the public for the inauguration of the newly constructed statue of Sido and Kanhu Murmu at Haraputa, Kokrajhar. The unveiling is scheduled for today, coinciding with Hul Divas, a day that commemorates the historic Santal Rebellion of 1855 — India’s earliest tribal uprising against British colonial rule.
The Santal Rebellion, led by the Murmu brothers, was a direct resistance against the exploitative British administration and their oppressive zamindari system. The revolt holds a distinct place in India’s freedom struggle as it marked the first organized tribal resistance against colonial powers.
The installation of the statue in Haraputa, BTR is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a significant recognition of the enduring contribution of the Santal community to India’s socio-political history. BTR CEM Pramod Boro, who is also the Chief Guest will be inaugurating the statue. This monument also reflects the BTR Government’s commitment to honouring tribal legacies and supporting historically marginalized communities in their ongoing fight for identity and justice.
Despite being one of the largest tribal groups in India, the Santals in Assam have long been deprived of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status— a constitutional recognition they hold in several other Indian states. This long-standing demand remains a key concern for the community. As the nation moves forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Santals of Assam continue to hope that their rightful demand for ST status will finally be addressed.
Today’s inauguration stands as both a tribute to the courage of Sido-Kanhu Murmu and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead in ensuring justice and representation for the Santal community in Assam.