MD Nur Islam Noyon :
On the occasion of the historic Santal Hul (Santal Rebellion) Day, the 171st Santal Hul Day was celebrated in Dinajpur through various programs. Keeping in mind the theme of ‘Let the rights of the tribals be established in the spirit of Sidhu-Kanur’, a day-long program was organized by the Jivanta Nooka Adivasi Organization at Suihari Mirzapur Christian Para in Dinajpur Sadar Upazila on Tuesday (June 30).
The program included free sapling distribution, discussion meetings, colorful processions, wreath-laying at the portraits of the great leaders of the Santal Rebellion, Sidhu and Kanur, and cultural programs. A large number of men and women from the tribal community, including several hundred members of the organization, participated in it.
The speakers at the discussion said that on June 30, 1855, the Santal-peasant-people led by Sidhu and Kanu launched the historic Hull Rebellion against the British colonial rule, their local allies, the exploitation and oppression of the moneylenders and landlords. That struggle to establish self-respect, justice and rights is still a source of inspiration in the movement to achieve the rights of the indigenous people.
The program was presided over by Himan Murmu, founder president of the Living Boat Indigenous Organization. The heroic freedom fighters Ravana Kisku, Mary Hembram, Antanyata Mardi, Orpina Iti Soren, Jissupina Hembram, Sebastian Soren and other leaders of the indigenous community were present as special guests.
The speakers demanded constitutional recognition of the indigenous people, land rights, mother tongue-based education, preservation of culture and social security. At the same time, he called on the government and the concerned quarters to take effective initiatives to convey the history, tradition and spirit of the Santal rebellion to the new generation.
At the end of the program, saplings of different species of trees were distributed among the participants. The day was celebrated in a festive atmosphere with the spontaneous participation of members of the local tribal community in the day-long programs organized.
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