Protect indigenous people's rights

Indigenous people brought out a procession at Sundorpur village in Kakonhat in Rajshahi on Thursday to press their demands. They had gathered there to observe the 26th death anniversary of their leader Sargram Mazi. PHOTO: STAR

Sargram Mazi, a great indigenous leader, was an MLA in erstwhile Pakistan. He fought for land rights of indigenous peoples in northern districts and established a large number of educational institutions and libraries for their development.

Several thousand indigenous people from Kakonhat and other areas in northern districts gathered at Sundorpur village on Thursday to participate in various programmes in observance of his death anniversary.

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The programmes were organised by Adivasi Unnayan Songstha (AUS).

A large number of indigenous men and women from about 30 communities including Santal, Orao, Munda, Rai and Paharia joined the programmes which began after offering Puja (a religious rite) for eternal peace of Sargram Mazi's soul.

This was followed by a big procession. The processionists paraded different roads in Sundorpur village, chanting various slogans and carrying banners and festoons highlighting their demands.

A rally was held marking the occasion. It was presided over by AUS Executive Director Bhagabat Tudu.

Pakri Union Parishad Cchairman Jalaluddin, former chairman of Gogram UP Shamsul Alam, indigenous leaders Bishownath Tudu and Banjamin Hasda and freedom fighter Nurul Islam Sarker addressed the rally. They recalled the life and contributions of Sargram Mazi for development of indigenous people in the country.

They urged indigenous peoples to unite to realise their rights and resist encroachment of their lands by local influential Bangalee leaders.

They also demanded government steps to ensure indigenous children's right to education in their mother languages.

After the rally, Shantal, Oraio, Munda and Rai women jointly presented a 'prayer song' dedicated to the memory of Sargram Mazi.

A large number of journalists from northern districts, NGO workers, foreigners, local government leaders and elite also attended the programmes.