Mon Jun 30 20:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Ahead of Hul Diwas celebrations in Bhognadih, Jharkhand, police used tear gas and lathi-charged protesting villagers. The villagers, led by the Sido-Kanhu Murmu Hul Foundation, were protesting the district administration’s alleged dismantling of a stage they had set up to commemorate the day. The BJP has strongly condemned the police action, with Babulal Marandi stating it was a barbaric act and a catalyst for the downfall of the current government. Chief Minister Hemant Soren was unable to attend due to his father’s hospitalization, but posted a message highlighting the importance of Hul Diwas and the ongoing struggle for tribal rights.

**News Article:**

**Jharkhand: Police Lathi-Charge Villagers Protesting Ahead of Hul Diwas Celebration**

**PATNA – July 1, 2025:** Tensions flared in Bhognadih, Jharkhand on Monday, June 30, 2025, as police resorted to a lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse a group of villagers protesting ahead of an official government function marking Hul Diwas (Rebellion Day).

The villagers, led by the Sido-Kanhu Murmu Hul Foundation and Aato Manjhi Vashi Bhognadih, were reportedly protesting the district administration’s alleged dismantling of a separate stage they had erected to commemorate the day in their own way. Hul Diwas commemorates the 1855 Santhal rebellion against British rule, and Bhognadih is the birthplace of tribal icons Sido and Kanhu Murmu who led the revolt.

According to a police officer, the use of force was initiated after some villagers allegedly attacked the police with bows and arrows.

The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi called the police action “barbaric” and predicted it would lead to the downfall of the Hemant Soren government. He compared the situation to the oppressive era of British rule.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren was unable to attend the Hul Diwas event in Bhognadih as his father, Shibu Soren, is currently hospitalized in New Delhi. He released a statement on social media emphasizing the significance of Hul Diwas and the ongoing fight for tribal rights, language, and identity. He pledged continued struggle, “Hul Ulgulan,” for the tribal religion code.

The incident has further heightened political tensions in the state and raised questions about the government’s handling of tribal affairs.

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