Martyrs Sidhu-Kanhu, who led the Santhal Hul rebellion against British rule 171 years ago in 1855, were remembered with reverence across Jharkhand on Tuesday. On this occasion, which is called Hul Diwas in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and several others paid tribute to the revolutionaries at Sidhu-Kanhu Park in Ranchi.
Large gatherings were also reported at the historic site of the uprising in Bhognadih village of Sahibganj district, where people assembled to honour the martyrs. After paying floral tributes, Chief Minister Soren said that Hul Diwas is not merely a remembrance of history but a symbol of the spirit of resistance against injustice and oppression.
He noted that at a time when the oppressed sections had no visible means of resistance, Sidhu-Kanhu, Chand-Bairab, and brave women Phulo-Jhano had sounded the bugle of revolt against British rule without worrying about the consequences. He said that even today, wherever struggles take place in the world for the rights of the weak and marginalised, they are rooted in the same spirit of resistance against injustice.
Describing Jharkhand as a land of heroes, he said the history of its people’s leaders will always be written in golden letters. "Revolutionary fire never dies, nor can it be extinguished. Its spark always remains alive," the Chief Minister said in a post on X, drawing a parallel with the eternal flames burning at Rajghat and India Gate in Delhi.
Leader of Opposition Marandi also paid tribute at the park and remembered all the martyrs of the Hul movement. He said the uprising, which began in the Santhal Pargana region in 1855, was a historic mass rebellion against the oppressive and exploitative policies of British rule.
Marandi said that under the leadership of Sidhu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu, Bairab Murmu, and women Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu, the Santhal community fought an unprecedented battle to protect their land, forests, water and identity.
He added that the movement was not limited to challenging British authority but also became a symbol of awakening for freedom, self-respect, and rights. He said the sacrifices of the Hul martyrs continue to inspire society to stand firmly against injustice and to protect its culture and rights.