Bangladesh's representation in Int’l Santal Council uncertain

The International Santal Council is starting from April 24 at the Santoshini Vidya Chakra High School ground at Phansidewa in Indian state of West Bengal. Although the presence of Santal representatives from Nepal, Bhutan and America has been confirmed in this two-day international conference, it is still uncertain whether representatives from Bangladesh will participate or not.

The organisers said it is not yet certain whether anyone from Bangladesh will participate. If Bangladesh participates, we will be happy. We are still optimistic.

Mentionable, the initial plan was to hold the conference in Bangladesh, but due to unavoidable reasons, it has been shifted to Phansidewa in India. According to the organisers, holding the conference in Phansidewa, adjacent to Siliguri, will facilitate the travel of representatives from neighboring countries and various states of India.

About 180,000 Santals and other tribal communities live in these four blocks - Phansidewa, Naxalbari, Kharibari and Matigara. The largest number of them, about 110,000, live in Phansidewa. Therefore, the area has been considered suitable for the conference.

International Santal Council member and former MLA from Phansidewa, Chotan Kisku, said, "Representatives of all countries will present their respective demands at the conference. We will also present some important demands, including land rights, to the President."

Indian President Draupadi Murmu, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other prominent political figures have been invited to the conference.

Prominent political figures including President of India Droupadi Murmu, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi have been invited to the conference.

West Bengal Government's Agricultural Marketing Minister Becharam Manna and Law Minister Malay Ghatak will also be present.

The conference will feature discussions on the traditions, culture, education and social development of the Santal community, as well as cultural programmes. The organisers are preparing to bring to the fore various important issues of the Santal community through participation in this international gathering.