C,M,MANJHI

Chhaya Mishra

PATNA: BIhar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi who is now known for his
controversial statements on Wednesdday claimed the members of the
Upper castes(unchi jati ke log) were foreigners and tribals and dalits
are Indians.
Manjhi who is on three days-tour to West and East Champaran districts
made the statement while speaking to the Tharu tribals in Bagaha,400
kms from here.He told Tharu tribals"You and me are original
Indians,the people of upper castes are foreigners.The land and forest
belongs to us".Manjhi is himself from Mahadalit community 0f
Musharas(rat eaters).
CM said the upper castes who claim from the Aryan race desceneded on
India from abroad.They have taken control of natural assets which
belongs to we Indians.Calling the upepr castes as Foreigners,Manjhi
said the real owners of the land and forests are the dalits and
tribals.

Manjhi who spent his night in the guest house of Valmikinagar tiger
reserve on India-Nepal border said the forest officers were not
allowing the tribals youths to participate in cultural programmes in
the forests afetr sunset.They are not allowed to enter the jungles in
the evenings.The forest belongs to the tribals,but they are being
denied entry.

He charged the forest officers with violating the rules of the tiger
reserve and claimed they organise late night parties in the tiger
reserve and do not permit the local youths to even organise marriage
parties in the jungles.

Manjhi warned in stern voice"I warn the CCF(chief conservator of
forests),I will come to the VTR(Valmikinagar toiger reserve) afetr a
month and personally see the things have changed or not.If the tribals
are still denied entry into the jungles,senior forest officers would
be punished and not allowed to stay in VTR.He said senior forest
officers organise parties and entertainment programmes in the
jungles.This must stop immediately or action would be taken against
the VTR director too.
,
Earlier,Manjhi visited a hutment of Tharu tribal and had hid lunch
with the family alongwith the culture minister Vinay ihari and local
MLA.He sat on the earth and enjoyed the "deshi murga and fish " items
prepared by the tribal family.