Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026
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Indigenous Rights August 17, 2026

Protest in Rajabirat Demands Withdrawal of ‘False Cases’ Against Santals

Hill Voice, August 16, 2026, Gaibandha: A protest rally was held at Rajabirat Santal village in Rajahar Union of Gobindaganj Upazila, Gaibandha, demanding the withdrawal of “false cases” filed against Santal villagers and an end to their harassment.

The rally was organized by the Manjhi Parishad at Rajabirat Bazar at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday (August 16). Indigenous leader British Soren chaired the rally.

Speakers said that Shafiqul and Ujjal, brothers of the local Union Parishad chairman, had filed cases against Santals for alleged extortion and theft. They alleged that the cases were being used to harass and put pressure on Santal villagers. They demanded that the cases be withdrawn immediately.

The speakers also said that about 250 bighas of Santal-owned land in Rajabirat had been illegally occupied since independence. They said Santal families were being harassed through lawsuits, attacks and threats over land disputes. They also mentioned an incident in January 2025, when a Santal woman was attacked and several houses were set on fire over a land dispute.

Several Indigenous leaders and community members attended the rally, including Ripon Besra Joy, Taramoni Soren, Saheb Murmu, Merina Soren, Julius, Kamalesh Soren, Rup Soren, Shyambala Hembrom, Alibia Hembrom, Momota Hembrom and Shiuli Hembrom. Anisul Rahman Moinul, organizing secretary of the Sahebganj-Bagdafarm Land Recovery Struggle Committee, human rights and social worker Monir Hossain Sweet, Ruhul Amin and others were also present.

Urao community leaders Milan Tigga and Abina Toppa also attended the rally.

The speakers called on the administration to protect the land and lives of Santal people and withdraw the cases filed against them. They warned that they would launch larger protests if their demands were not met.