Tensions flared in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district on Monday when thousands of members of the ‘Sarva Adivasi Samaj’ (All Tribal Society) arrived in Balod to lay siege to the Collectorate, protesting against the Jamdi Pateshwar Dham and pressing for various demands. The massive influx of tribal community members—arriving from the district’s Tuegondi, Jamdi, and surrounding villages—overwhelmed all preparations made by the district administration.
Despite the heavy police deployment, barricades, and extensive security arrangements, the protesters managed to reach the Collectorate and, breaking through the barricades, forced their way into the premises. Prior to their arrival at the Collectorate, the police had erected barricades at several locations in an attempt to halt the protesters’ advance. As the crowd surged forward, scuffles and clashes broke out between the police and the demonstrators. To bring the situation under control, the police summoned reinforcements and also attempted to push back the crowd by deploying water cannons from fire brigade vehicles. Despite these measures, the protesters remained undeterred, and thousands of people successfully stormed the Collectorate complex.
Collectorate Gate Damaged; Protest Continues for Hours Within Premises
During the protest, the main gate of the Collectorate sustained damage. A large number of people entered the premises and continued to raise slogans. The administration and police forces struggled for a considerable time to bring the agitators under control. The scale of the agitation was so immense that the Collectorate complex and the surrounding area became completely packed with protesters.
The gravity of the agitation can be gauged from the fact that many protesters remained camped within the premises throughout the entire day. Some individuals even set up makeshift wood-fired stoves on the spot to prepare *poha* (flattened rice) and shared a communal meal. This sent a clear signal that, this time around, the tribal community is in a mood for a decisive, do-or-die battle regarding their demands.
What is the Controversy Surrounding Jamdi Pateshwar Dham?
The ‘Sarva Adivasi Samaj’ alleges that the Pateshwar Dham, located in Jamdi, has been constructed on land belonging to the local villagers. Representatives of the community state that the benefits of village development works and government schemes are being diverted to the *Dham* (shrine) complex, while the local villagers themselves remain deprived of basic amenities. The tribal community further alleges that their traditional religious sites and centers of faith—specifically the ‘Pat’ (hill)—have also been encroached upon.
According to the community, this site holds deep significance, being intrinsically linked to their deities and cultural traditions. Consequently, they are demanding an impartial inquiry into the affairs of the Jamdi Pateshwar Dham and related matters, followed by appropriate action.
**Demand for Action Against Baba Balak Das**
The protesters alleged that no action is being taken against those responsible for matters that adversely affect the religious and cultural identity of the tribal community. For this reason, the community has raised a demand for action against the Jamdi Pateshwar Dham and Baba Balak Das. The agitators assert that this is not merely a land dispute, but fundamentally a matter concerning the faith, traditions, and rights of the tribal community.
**Opposition to the Use of the Term ‘Vanvasi’**
During the course of the agitation, the *Sarva Adivasi Samaj* (All Tribal Society) submitted a memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister through the district administration. The memorandum registered a strong objection to the use of the term ‘Vanvasi’ (forest dweller) as a substitute for the term ‘Adivasi’ (tribal). The community maintains that the tribal people are the indigenous inhabitants of the country, and any attempt to alter their identity will not be accepted.
Community leaders stated that no form of interference regarding issues linked to their historical, cultural, and social identity would be tolerated. They characterized this as a matter concerning tribal self-respect and dignity.
**Administration Responds: Seven-Point Memorandum Received**
Following these developments, the district administration announced that a seven-point memorandum of demands had been submitted by the *Sarva Adivasi Samaj*. The administration stated that all points outlined in the memorandum would be examined, and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with established rules and regulations. Officials assured the agitators that their demands would be treated with seriousness; reports would be obtained from the relevant departments, and the necessary follow-up procedures would be completed.
Meanwhile, Additional Collector C.K. Kaushik held a meeting with 15 key office-bearers of the community at 6:00 PM. Respecting their sentiments, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) subsequently issued orders to all construction agencies to immediately halt all ongoing work in the area. 15-Day Ultimatum; Warning of an Intense Agitation
Office bearers of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj have categorically stated that mere assurances will no longer suffice. Issuing a 15-day ultimatum to the administration, the community has warned that if concrete action is not taken regarding the dispute surrounding Jamdi Pateshwar Dham—as well as other demands—the agitation will be intensified and expanded across the entire district.
