ST panel likely to summon Jamtara DC and SP for skipping hearing

Dumka: Jamtara deputy commissioner and SP may have to appear before the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in Delhi after they failed to attend a hearing on alleged encroachment of tribal land in the district on Monday.

NCST member Asha Lakra, who wrapped up her two-day divisional-level hearing in Dumka on Tuesday, told reporters that both the officers will now be summoned to Delhi to appear before the Commission.

She said, “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 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.”

Expressing concern over the condition of tribal communities in Santhal Pargana, she added, “Land, livelihood and daughters are insecure. We urge immediate govt 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.

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.

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 didn’t attend the hearing.