Jharkhand Leader and JMM Founder Shibu Soren Dies at 81
Veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren, founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a three-time former chief minister of Jharkhand, has died at 81 after a prolonged illness. Known as 'Dishom Guru' (Great Leader), Soren was a towering figure in Indian politics and instrumental in the movement for the creation of Jharkhand. His death marks the end of an era for the state, which has declared a three-day period of state mourning. Top national leaders are expected to attend his last rites.
Unpacked:
Shibu Soren was a pivotal leader of the decades-long movement demanding a separate state for tribal and marginalized communities in eastern India. His leadership and activism through the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) played a crucial part in the formation of Jharkhand, which was carved out of Bihar in 2000.
Experts highlight Shibu Soren’s unmatched leadership in mobilizing marginalized communities and securing statehood for Jharkhand. However, his legacy is considered ‘mixed’ due to controversies during his career, including legal troubles and debates over his effectiveness in advancing tribal rights and governance after achieving statehood.
Shibu Soren’s son, Hemant Soren, is currently the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a prominent leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). He is seen as the heir to his father’s political legacy, having led the party to recent electoral victories and continuing advocacy for tribal and regional issues.
Soren’s activism was deeply influenced by personal tragedy. At age 15, his father was allegedly killed by moneylenders, which left a profound impact on him. This incident fueled his lifelong fight against exploitation and shaped his commitment to tribal rights and social justice.