New Delhi, 30 June (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, and several other leaders on Tuesday paid heartfelt tributes to the immortal heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for India's freedom, tribal identity, and social justice on the occasion of Hul Diwas.

In a post on X, President Murmu paid homage to Sido Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu, Bhairav Murmu, Phulo Murmu, Jhano Murmu, and all the brave men and women of the Santhal Rebellion.

On the occasion of Hul Diwas, I pay my respectful tributes to Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano, and all the immortal heroes and heroines of the Santhal Rebellion. They waged a historic struggle against the exploitation of the tribal community and for the protection of their identity. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will continue to inspire every citizen of the country forever, she said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the nation salutes the thousands of brave tribal men and women who, under the leadership of the great revolutionaries Sido and Kanhu, launched the historic Santhal Hool against colonial rule, exploitation, and injustice.

He said the movement was a remarkable people's uprising fought to protect water, forests, land, self-respect, and the very existence of tribal communities. Birla added that the revolution infused new energy into India's freedom movement and later became a source of inspiration for several other struggles. He said the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of those immortal martyrs would continue to inspire future generations.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that the legendary leaders of the tribal freedom movement—Sido Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu, Bhairav Murmu, and the courageous sisters Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu—raised such a powerful call against British rule that it awakened the spirit of resistance against colonial oppression across the country.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Santhal Hool Day symbolises the tribal community's struggle for India's independence. He said the day is an occasion to remember those great patriots who sacrificed their entire lives while fighting against injustice and oppression.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar