JMM: No caste census without Sarna code

THE RULING PARTY SPOKESPERSON MANOJ PANDEY SAID ON WEDNESDAY THE PARTY WAS NOT AGAINST THE CASTE CENSUS PER SE, BUT WOULD PROTEST IT AS THE PRIMARY DEMAND OF THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY IS NOT BEING MET

- Vishal Kant

RANCHI: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) said on Wednesday that the party will not allow a caste census in the state if the central government does not include a separate religious code for tribals, and is preparing to hold a statewide protest over the issue.

The Hemant Soren-led JMM, the lead partner in the incumbent INDIA bloc government in the state, has decided to hold protests across the state on May 9, pressing for the demand. To be sure, a census is a statutory exercise by the central government in which all states must participate mandatorily.

In an official directive issued by JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey, all district units and senior office bearers have been directed to prepare for the protest, which must be attended mandatorily by senior leaders, ministers, and elected representatives.