The Pathalgadi movement draws on this tradition of honouring the community’s ancestors. | Photo Credit: Manob ChowdharyOutsiders unwelcomeIn the Pathalgadi areas, a stranger entering the village arouses suspicion. Khunti, the birthplace of the tribal freedom fighter and folk hero Birsa Munda, is also where the Pathalgadi movement is strongest. We shall not observe the August 15 or January 26 celebrations,” say the young leaders of the Pathalgadi movement, addressing the gathering one by one. The Jharkhand government, however, says that the Pathalgadi movement is nothing but a protective cover manufactured by Maoists and criminals involved in cultivating opium in remote tribal areas.

Source: The Hindu April 13, 2018 18:33 UTC