Jamshedpur/Bokaro/Dhanbad: A life-size statue of former CM Shibu Soren, popularly known as Guruji, was unveiled amid tight security at Tata-Chaibasa Bypass Chowk in Chaibasa following days of opposition.The controversy erupted after members of the Ho community demanded that a statue of freedom fighter Poto Ho, who led the Serengsia Valley uprising of 1837, be installed at the site.“We are not opposed to Guruji’s statue. Our only demand is that freedom fighters and leaders of the Jharkhand statehood movement from our district be given priority when statues or busts are installed in West Singhbhum,” said Govind Ho.JMM MLA Niral Purty said Poto was a highly respected Adivasi leader and assured that his statue would soon be installed at an alternative site recommended by representatives of the Ho community.SDPO Bahaman Tuti said the unveiling passed off peacefully.A statue of Soren was also unveiled in Jamshedpur, while another is planned in Seraikela-Kharsawan on Jan 11 next year.In Bokaro district’s Chas, Guruji Smriti Vatika, a park for senior citizens, was inaugurated. Deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha said the true tribute to Soren would be to follow his ideals, values and commitment to public service.The Dhanbad administration organised a blood donation camp, where deputy development commissioner Sunny Raj described blood donation as the “greatest gift of life”. A total of 26 units of blood was collected.(With inputs from B Sridhar, Divy Khare, & Sharad Chandra)
