On 8th June, a day-long meeting of the ASM National Council was convened, inaugurating with remarks from CPIML General Secreatry Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya, who underscored the mounting challenges faced by Adivasi communities and the vital role of ASM in organising resistance. Delegates from participating states presented their respective reports, detailing the struggles and conditions in their regions. The day concluded with the reconstitution of the National Council. Comrade Thirupati Gomango was appointed as the Convenor, while leading Adivasi representatives from each state were inducted as Co-convenors. This interim body will steer ASM’s activities until the organisation’s National Conference, now scheduled for September 2026.
The 9th of June, observed as the martyrdom day of legendary Adivasi freedom fighter Birsa Munda, began with tributes to his legacy, followed by a day-long Convention on the present condition of Adivasis in the country. Delegates from various states spoke with conviction on the issues confronting their communities.
In his address, Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya remarked, “Adivasi rights are being continuously violated. In Bastar, water, forest, land and minerals are being handed over to Adani, and those who raise their voice against this face repressive action. The Adivasi community is fighting against this anti-people attitude of the government across the country. The threat to the Constitution has increased, so now is the time to protect democracy and the Constitution through a united fight of all the deprived sections.”
Renowned Adivasi leader Dayamani Barla asserted, “Adivasis never compromised with any invader or exploiter — be it the Mughals or the British. Today, when there is a period of corporate loot and government repression, the tribal people are again on the path of rebellion.”
James Herenj, activist and convenor of NREGA Watch in Jharkhand spoke at length on the systematic neglect of the PESA Act and the Forest Rights Act, while activist Siraj Dutt highlighted the militarisation of Adivasi regions and the ensuing repression, calling for an organised struggle to remove military camps from these areas.
A number of important decisions were taken during the Convention. It was resolved that ASM will organise state-level seminars in the third week of July to consolidate Adivasi voices across the country. Furthermore, coordinated protests will be held outside the Governor’s residence in each state at the end of August. Several other resolutions were also adopted.
The two-day programme reaffirmed the resolve of the Adivasi communities to unite and intensify their struggle against displacement, exploitation, and state repression.
