Pathalgadi supporters bid to erect stone slab before Jharkhand court

Over 200 Pathalgadi supporters on Monday reached the Jharkhand High Court and tried to place a stone slab citing their rights under the fifth schedule of the constitution.

Ranchi: Over 200 Pathalgadi supporters on Monday reached the Jharkhand High Court with an aim to erect a stone slab citing their rights under the fifth schedule of the constitution.

According to reports, Pathalgadi supporters shouted slogans at Ambedkar Chowk in Doranda for a long time holding white, black and red flags in their hands.

Speaking to the media, Dhaneswar Toppo, a Pathalgadi supporter said: "The stone slabs with constitutional rights of the Gram Sabhas written on them are meant to wrest back the powers granted to tribals under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. And we want to place them on the premises of the High Court."

"In the past year, such slabs have been installed in several villages and tribals in Khunti, West Singhbhum, Gumla, Simdega and Ranchi areas of Jharkhand have placed stone slabs with constitutional rights of the Gram Sabhas written on them," he said.

On being informed about the incident, police officials reached the spot and stopped them from entering the court.

Meanwhile, police pacified the group, assuring them of arranging a meeting with the governor on Tuesday.