Ranchi: Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, Deepak Prakash, on Monday demanded a special cultural corridor for saving ancient tribal heritage. In his address in the Upper house, Prakash said that a cultural corridor should be developed by connecting the historical sites of Rohtasgarh, Mudma, and Marang Buru spread across the borders of Jharkhand and Bihar.He said, “Rohtasgarh (Bihar) is the center of Oraon community’s valour and indelible memories of their ancestors. The Mudma site located in Mandar, Ranchi is not only a symbol of religious significance but also the birthplace of the ‘Padha governance system’, which has kept tribal society united for centuries.”Mentioning about the Santhal community, Prakash said that ‘Marang Buru’ (Parasnath mountain in Giridih) is the supreme deity of Santhals. “It is not just a mountain, but the identity of existence for millions of tribals. These world-class heritage sites are still struggling for basic facilities like roads, electricity, and drinking water. I urge govt to construct a special corridor connecting Mudma, Marangburu, and Rohtasgarh so that the world can become acquainted with India’s tribal civilization, culture and glorious history,” he said.Congress, part of the ruling alliance in Jharkhand, dubbed the demand as ‘political’ drama by BJP ahead of civic polls in the state. Party general secretary Alok Dubey said, “The demand for a so-called cultural corridor in Parliament today is just a political ploy to influence municipal elections. Before every election, BJP leaders suddenly begin remembering tribal society’s identity, culture and faith. He (MP) and his party (BJP) should tell people why didn’t they do it when they were in power between 2014 and 2019 in the state? They also had BJP led govt in the Centre during that period.”
