Thu Jan 01 10:28:03 UTC 2026: Summary:

On January 1, 2026, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren commemorated the tribal martyrs killed in the 1948 Kharswan police firing. The incident occurred when tribals protested the merger of Seraikela-Kharswan district into Odisha and demanded a separate Jharkhand state. Soren announced the formation of a committee to identify and honor the families of these martyrs, similar to the recognition given to the families of the Gua firing incident victims. He also pledged to develop the Sahid Sthal (martyrs’ memorial) into a more memorable site, currently under construction.

News Article:

Jharkhand to Honor Families of 1948 Kharswan Tribal Martyrs

Seraikela (Jharkhand), January 1, 2026 – Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced today that a committee will be formed to identify and honor the families of tribal martyrs killed in the 1948 Kharswan police firing incident. The announcement came during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the tragic event.

On New Year’s Day in 1948, hundreds of tribals gathered in Kharswan to protest the proposed merger of the Seraikela-Kharswan district into Odisha and to demand the creation of a separate Jharkhand state. Police opened fire on the protesters, resulting in numerous deaths.

Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to the martyrs at the Sahid Sthal, Chief Minister Soren emphasized the sacrifices made by the tribal warriors in protecting their rights, their “jal, jungle, jameen” (water, forest, and land). He stated that the committee will ensure the families of the Kharswan martyrs receive the same respect and recognition as the families of those killed in the Gua firing incident of 1980.

“Adivasi warriors had sacrificed their lives protecting the rights of the tribal community, their jal, jungle, jameen, the Chief Minister said. The tribal community is proud of them.”

Soren also addressed concerns about the Sahid Sthal, which is currently closed for construction. He assured the public that the site will be developed into a memorable tribute to the martyrs and that it will be dedicated to the public soon.

“We did not want the site to be misused,” Mr. Soren added.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including JMM MP Joba Majhi, Jharkhand Minister Deepak Birua, and MLAs Dasrath Gagrai and Sabita Mahato.

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