Draft:Jharkhand Andolankari Sangharsh Morcha

The Jharkhand Andolankari Sangharsh Morcha (JASM) is an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and recognition of individuals who actively participated in the movement for the creation of the Indian state of Jharkhand. Founded by Pushkar Mahto, the organization is currently led by National President Bideshi Mahto and National General Secretary Mahmood Alam.

History and Formation

Jharkhand, officially established as a separate state on November 15, 2000, was the culmination of decades of struggle and activism. In the years following its formation, many activists felt that their contributions were overlooked. In response, Pushkar Mahto founded the Jharkhand Andolankari Sangharsh Morcha to ensure that these activists, known as "Andolankaris," receive due recognition and benefits. Mahto has been vocal about the need for the Jharkhand government and political parties to honor the fundamental rights of these activists. He emphasized the disappointment among activists due to the perceived neglect of their rights and called on the government to grant them constitutional rights and respect.

Objectives and Activities

JASM's primary mission is to advocate for the welfare of Jharkhand movement activists. Key objectives include:

• Recognition and Benefits: Ensuring that all activists, irrespective of imprisonment during the movement, receive pensions and other benefits. The organization has met with political leaders to discuss the removal of imprisonment as a criterion for benefits. The organization has met with political leaders to discuss the removal of imprisonment as a criterion for benefits. Mahto stated that while the state government recognizes all who participated in the Jharkhand movement, honors such as pensions and felicitations are provided only to those who served jail terms during the agitation.
• Protests and Demonstrations: Organizing events to highlight their demands, such as economic blockades and statewide shutdowns. In December 2023, JASM announced a two-day economic blockade to press for their long-pending demands. Mahto emphasized that despite 23 years since Jharkhand's formation, many who contributed to the statehood movement live in neglect due to the government's failure to provide them with a respectful livelihood.
• Cultural Preservation: Advocating for the removal of symbols they believe do not align with the state's cultural heritage, such as the demand to remove the statue of Kailashpati Mishra in Ranchi.

Recent Developments

In September 2024, a delegation from JASM met with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, presenting a memorandum outlining their demands. The Chief Minister acknowledged the sacrifices of the activists and assured them of the government's commitment to honor their contributions.

Through persistent advocacy and activism, the Jharkhand Andolankari Sangharsh Morcha continues to strive for the rights and recognition of those who played pivotal roles in the state's formation.