Dumka: The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Jamtara district may be required to appear before the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in Delhi after they failed to attend a hearing concerning alleged encroachment of tribal land in the district on Monday.
NCST Member Expresses Displeasure Over Absence
NCST member Asha Lakra, who concluded her two-day divisional-level hearing in Dumka on Tuesday, informed reporters that both officers will now be summoned to Delhi to appear before the Commission. She stated, “The commission received complaints from Jamtara residents claiming that a graveyard was constructed on their land and demanded restoration. The Jamtara DC and SP were issued notices to attend the commission’s public hearing in Dumka, but neither appeared.”
Complainants Report Ongoing Burials at Disputed Site
Complainants told the commission that burials were still continuing at the disputed site. Terming the absence of senior officers a serious matter, Lakra said, “The commission would now issue summons to them to appear in Delhi. The matter pertains to justice for affected scheduled tribe families.”
Concerns Over Tribal Communities in Santhal Pargana
Expressing concern over the condition of tribal communities in Santhal Pargana, she added, “Land, livelihood and daughters are insecure. We urge immediate government intervention.” A large number of people from the Santhal Pargana attended the two-day hearing, raising grievances related to domestic violence, land disputes and compensation, several of which were resolved on the spot.
Allegations of Targeting Tribal Women
Lakra also alleged that tribal women in Sahibganj, Pakur and Jamtara were being targeted, lured into marriage and later deprived of land rights, contributing to demographic changes. She said the commission has submitted a report on the issue to the President.
Officials Respond to Allegations
Jamtara DC Alok Kumar said that he was in Ranchi for a Jharkhand high court hearing and had deputed a senior official on his behalf to appear before the commission. SP Shambhu Kumar Singh said that police had no role in the matter and hence he did not attend the hearing.
