JMM Founder and Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren Laid to Rest with Full State Honors and Tribal Traditions

Jharkhand bid a sorrowful farewell to one of its tallest leaders, Shibu Soren, the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former chief minister, who was laid to rest on Tuesday in his ancestral village, Nemra (Ramgarh district), with full state honors and deep-rooted Santhal tribal customs.

Shibu Soren’s son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, led the last rites alongside his mother, Roopi Soren, performing all traditional rituals. The ceremony saw an outpouring of emotion, as thousands of supporters and many top political leaders from across India gathered to pay their respects.

Before the funeral, Shibu Soren’s mortal remains were brought to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in Ranchi, where legislators, ministers, and senior officials attended a special session honoring his legacy and contributions. From there, his body was taken to the JMM’s central office and finally to Nemra for the final journey.

Among the prominent figures in attendance were Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, former Chief Minister Champai Soren, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, and Bihar’s former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav. Several current and former Jharkhand ministers, legislators, and political leaders from various parties also paid tribute.

Rahul Gandhi described Shibu Soren as a “powerful voice of the tribal community” and recalled his immense socio-political contribution. Photos captured the moment when an emotional Hemant Soren was comforted with a hug by Rahul Gandhi as the loss of his iconic father overwhelmed him.

The funeral strictly followed Santhal tribal traditions, with Hemant Soren and family ensuring all customs were observed. From 11 AM, traditional musical instruments, songs, and rituals filled Nemra as the local Adivasi community gathered en masse to say their final goodbyes. The entire village was steeped in mourning, with many unable to hold back tears.

Known affectionately as “Guruji” and “Dashom Guru,” Shibu Soren was among Jharkhand’s most influential leaders. He founded JMM in the 1970s and championed the cause of tribal rights, fighting tirelessly for jangal-jal-jameen (forest, water, and land). He served three terms as Chief Minister of Jharkhand and was also India’s Union Coal Minister. Under his leadership, the struggle for a separate state grew stronger, culminating in the birth of Jharkhand in 2000.

“Guruji was not just my father, but the guiding spirit of all of Jharkhand,” said Chief Minister Hemant Soren in his farewell message. “His legacy of struggle and sacrifice will forever inspire us. I urge everyone to carry forward his dream and vision for the state.”

As Nemra returns to its quiet routine, the legacy of Shibu Soren remains alive in the aspirations of Jharkhand’s people, who vow to fulfill his vision of justice, equality, and tribal empowerment.