Tribal groups held protest marches across the state, including several parts of Ranchi, on Thursday in support of long-pending demands for a separate Sarna code ahead of the 2021 national census.

The protest marches in Ranchi, held under the aegis of two organisations — Kendriya Sarna Samiti (KSS) and Adivasi Vikas Parishad (AVP) — led to traffic disruptions at various places through the day, at times leading to crowding.

As per the last census, there are 32 tribal groups in the state. Of these, eight are particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG). A few converted to Christianity over the years while others practice Sarna religion which is the worship of nature.

The demand of tribals for a separate Sarna code, also known as religion code, is centred around a separate identity. Currently, they are either included as Hindus, Christians or Muslim in the census, that does not have a separate column for their religion.

Thursday’s protest march began at 8am with at least 10 groups of 30-40 tribals fanning out to various parts of the city, carrying banners and posters in support of their demand for a separate Sarna code.

Many were shouting slogans against the state and Centre. Several protesters were without masks and social distancing norms were violated at a number of public places.

Phulchand Tirkey, president of KSS, accused the Hemant Soren government of duping tribals by not passing a resolution in favour of their demands during the monsoon session of the Assembly. “Both the state and Centre have been duping tribals in the name of a Sarna code,” he said, adding that the marches were a prelude to more protests in the coming days. “The 2021 census is just months away and we won’t be quiet anymore,” he said.

Secretary of AVP Satyanand Lakra said that on October 20, tribals would form human chains across the state to press for their demands. “In December, we will resort to a ‘rail-roko’ agitation,” he said.

Officials of the district administration conceded the demonstrators did not have valid permission for the marches. But no one was arrested till the evening when this report was filed. Ranchi SDO Sameera S said: “A few groups had applied for permission for a protest march. But permission wasn’t granted. We will see what action can be taken after consultation with senior officials.”