“Today, on the occasion of my birthday, the memory of the past one year is imprinted in my heart – that is the prisoner’s stamp – which was put on my hand when I was released from jail. This mark is not just of mine, but a symbol of the current challenges of our democracy,” Soren wrote in his post.
Soren was released from Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi on June 28 after being granted bail by the high court in connection to a money laundering case related to a land scam.
“When an elected chief minister can be put in jail for 150 days without any proof, complaint or crime, then what will they do with the common tribals, Dalits, oppressed people – I don’t need to say this,” he added.
As the executive president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31, shortly after resigning as chief minister.
“Today, I am even more determined and I strengthen my resolve to fight for the rights of every exploited, deprived, Dalit, backward, tribal, and indigenous persons,” he declared.
The chief minister expressed his commitment to advocating for individuals and communities who face oppression, injustice, and harassment based on their ethnicity, customs, or attire.
“We have to unite and build a society where the law is equal for all, where there is no misuse of power,” he said.
“We will have to face many challenges. But I am confident that together we can overcome these challenges. Because our country’s unity and diversity is our strength,” Soren concluded.