Jharkhand ST Atrocities Linked to CNT Act Violations, NCST Finds

Ranchi: The majority of atrocities committed against Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Jharkhand are linked to violations of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, resulting in exploitation of Adivasis and encroachment on their land rights, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) member Asha Lakra said on Wednesday.

Addressing the media after a three-day hearing organised by the NCST, Lakra said the commission found a disturbing pattern of illegal transfer and occupation of tribal land in violation of the CNT Act, which is intended to protect indigenous communities.

“The majority of the cases heard during the hearing consist of violations of the CNT Act, which is highly condemnable. On Wednesday, six cases from Chama village in the Bukru area of Ranchi district were heard. In all the cases, attempts were made to forcibly occupy their land by intimidating and threatening the tribal inhabitants. After hearing the cases, the Ranchi deputy commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) were directed to register FIRs against the accused individuals and issue arrest warrants. They were also directed to file a charge sheet in the court and inform the commission about future developments,” Lakra said.

She said the commission would write to the Jharkhand director general of police and chief secretary, asking them to establish police stations in areas where land disputes are emerging to protect tribal rights.

A total of 66 cases related to atrocities against STs, land disputes and service-related matters were heard from Monday during the three-day hearing. The cases came from 10 districts — Ranchi, Lohardaga, Khunti, Saraikela Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh and Latehar. Of these, 15 were resolved.

“In service-related matters, the commission heard around 10 cases, including a pension-related matter of a former employee of the state welfare department. The employee, Budhni Devi, was not getting her provident fund after retirement. Following the hearing, NCST sent a notice to the department, clearing her pension and PF dues,” Lakra added.

Referring to a Chaibasa incident last year in which a father carried his deceased son’s body in a plastic sack for 70 km due to lack of ambulances, Lakra said the commission took suo motu cognisance. “The health department has been directed to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with NGOs to ensure adequate ambulance availability, guaranteeing ambulance services to the needy in the state,” she said.