Sahibganj: People of Jharkhand remember and pay tributes to Santhal heroes Sido and Kanhu Murmu even today. Sido and Kanhu, leaders of Santhal rebellion, raised their voices against the British authority and the corrupt zamindari system during the colonial era. In the 18th century on this very day, Sido and Kanhu sacrificed their lives fighting to save their community from the clutches of the British rule/
The Santhal Heroes fought for the Santhal community as they became the victims of Mahajans and zamindars who charged exorbitant taxes. The story goes back to the time when Britishers demarcated the Santhal dominated states mainly Jharkhand and West Bengal and invited Santhals to settle in the region. Santhals settled in those regions seeing the promises of land and economics amenities but the table turned against them. Within a short span of time, Britishers started exploiting Santhals and they became victims of corrupt money lending practices. This sparked the Santhal rebellion.
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On June 30 1855, Sido, Kanhu(called as brothers) along with Chand and Bairab mobilized Santhals and announced a rebellion against Britishers. Unfortunately, the British army, strongly equipped with modern firearms, war elephants attacked the Santhal brothers and sprayed them with bullets. The sacrifices of Santhal Heroes marked a great change in colonial rule and people lauded their efforts. People of the village have also built statues to pay homage to the Santhal Heroes.
Shyam Sundar Poddar, social worker, said, "We are grateful to Sido, Kanhu for the sacrifices they have made for our state. They fought till their last breath to free us from the clutches of the British rule."
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Development Scheme under their name:
Remembering the sacrifices of these Santhal brothers, Shaheed Development Scheme was launched. Under this scheme, villagers of such heroes are developed and attempts are undertaken to improve the living standard of the villagers.
Talking about this, Varun Ranjan, Sahibganj Deputy Commissioner, said "We provide necessary amenities like water, electricity to the families of these martyred soldiers in this village. We even have a school and the authorities have also undertaken the construction of roads. However, in view of the COVID-19 outbreak programmes are not held as of now.
