MAJSM threatens indefinite economic blockade in Santhal Pgn

Meler Aadim Janjati Sangharsh Morcha has threatened to launch an indefinite economic blockade in Santal Paragana from tomorrow in support of their demand for inclusion of Bhuiyan, Ghatwal and Khetauri primitive tribes into the Schedule Tribe (Adivasi) category.
On the eve of the economic blockade, Morcha activists today took out a torch-light procession led by its president Damodar Singh Meler and central committee secretary Viswanath Issar Meler and passed through the main thoroughfares of Dumka to garner support.
Talking to reporters, Damodar said no loading and unloading of minerals would take place in the Santhal Paragana region during the economic blockade as the people of Bhuiyan, Ghatwal and Khetauri community laced with traditional weapons would take part in the agitation.

He claimed these communities had enlisted in the Adivasi (Schedule Tribe) category between 1913 and 1938, but were excluded from the list "under a conspiracy."
The economic blockade would continue till the demand of the Morcha was met, he warned.
Earlier, the Morcha had observed a three-day blockade in different parts of Santhal Paragana region in June, 2013 and had clashed near Ghatwali chowk under Poraiyahat police station area of Godda district under the region.