Former CM Shibu Soren, fondly known as ‘Dishom Guru,’ passes away at 81; political leaders and citizens gather for last rites in his ancestral village.
Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM founder Shibu Soren died on Monday in Delhi after battling kidney-related ailments. He was 81 years old and is remembered across the country as a tribal icon and a mass leader, lovingly called ‘Dishom Guru’.
🚩 Massive Crowd Gathers in Nemra
A wave of sorrow swept across Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district as thousands gathered in Nemra, Soren’s native village, to pay their final respects.
- The funeral procession left from Ranchi’s state assembly.
- Locals lined both sides of the road chanting “Guruji Amar Rahe”.
- Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren’s son, accompanied the body, visibly emotional.
Tributes Pour In From Across India
Top national leaders extended condolences:
- President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid their respects in Delhi.
- Several Union Ministers and MLAs attended the funeral events.
- Leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh reached Ranchi to attend the final rites.
Final Rites in Nemra with Full State Honours
- Special traffic and security arrangements were in place in Nemra for the dignitaries and public attendees.
- Jharkhand declared a three-day state mourning till August 6.
- Schools across the state remained shut; special prayers were held in many institutions.
A Legacy Remembered
Shibu Soren led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for nearly four decades and was instrumental in the creation of Jharkhand state.
- He served multiple terms as Chief Minister.
- Represented tribal rights, fought for land and forest laws.
- Held various roles as a Member of Parliament and Rajya Sabha MP.
- Was serving as a sitting MP at the time of his death.
Emotional Farewell by Hemant & Kalpana Soren
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in a heartfelt tribute, said:
“My father’s shadow has disappeared… He was my guide and root of my thoughts. I vow to continue his battle against injustice.”
Kalpana Soren, daughter-in-law of the late leader, expressed her grief:
“Everything has become desolate… your struggle, your convictions — this daughter of yours will never forget.”
Recent Proceedings
- The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day as a mark of respect.
- Jharkhand Assembly’s monsoon session was adjourned sine die.
- Body flown from Delhi to Ranchi in a special aircraft, accompanied by family.
- A flower-decked open carriage carried his mortal remains to his Ranchi residence.
End of an Era
Shibu Soren’s death marks the end of a powerful era in Jharkhand politics. Revered by tribal communities and respected across political lines, his passing leaves a deep void in the state’s political and social fabric.
Also Read : Shibu Soren, ‘Dishom Guru’ and Jharkhand Icon, Dies at 81; Hemant Soren Says “Lost Everything”
