The withdrawal of all cases related to the Pathalgadi movement was the first decision and promise made by the Hemant Soren-led JMM government in Jharkhand. However today it has been a whole year on, the state government is yet to send a requisition to the court to withdraw the cases.
This was found by an unofficially authorised rights body.
According to Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha’s report, 30 FIRs across Khunti, Saraikela Kharsawan, West Singhbhum related to Pathalgaldi were registered out of which only 16 cases till now have been recommended by district committees for further withdrawal.
Pathalgadi was a movement that essentially argues for self-rule by Adivasis, promised under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, a 1996 law.
During the movement as in accordance of the aftermath, the police had filed cases against 200 named accused and 10,000 unnamed on charges including sedition, obstruction to public servants discharging their duty, creation of public nuisance and criminal intimidation.
