Raipur, 09 February . Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has paid homage to the tribal leader Amar Shaheed Gundadhur on the occasion of Bhumkal Memorial Day. Mr. Baghel has said that the sacrifice of Amar Shaheed Gundadhur, who started the rebellion against the British rule for the tribals’ ‘jal,jungle aur zameen’ (water, forest and land), will always remain immortal in history. Mr. Baghel further has said that it is believed that on February 10, 1910, the tribals of Bastar raised the movement against the British regime. Tribal leaders played an important role in raising this protest and sacrificed everything fighting for the protection of their rights. In the Bhumkal rebellion under the leadership of Amar Shaheed Gundadhur, the tribals fought staunchly against the British rule despite limited resources. In his memory, the local people of Chhattisgarh, especially the ancient Dandakaranya region, celebrate Bhumkal Divas every year. Mr. Baghel said that Martyr Gundadhur will always be alive in the public mind as a symbol of tribal consciousness. Bhumkal Divas celebrated in his memory will always give us the courage to raise our voice against exploitation.
Mr. Baghel said that the state government is committed to protect the interests and rights of the tribals. The state government has taken quick decisions to return land to the tribal farmers of Lohandiguda, lease forest rights are also given on a large scale and the state government has also provided reasonable price to forest dwellers for their income from forest produce. The establishment of forest processing units on a large scale and setting up of multiactivity centers in Gothans has brought a positive change in the lives of the local residents. Due to the decisions and positive initiatives taken by the state government, the tribal brothers are getting a new source of income and their standard of living is improving constantly. The Chief Minister said that the flame ignited by Amar Shaheed Gundadhur for the protection of tribal rights will continue to be illuminated forever.
