March 07, New Delhi — President Droupadi Murmu attended the 9th International Santal Conference, organized by the International Santal Council in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Speaking at the conference, President Murmu expressed concern after noticing that some members of the Santal community were unable to enter the conference hall.
"While sitting here, I observed many Santali people "wandering around dejectedly." It seems as though someone is preventing them from coming here. When I look at the venue and the arrangements, I feel that such a large international gathering of the Santal community should include everyone openly," the President said.
The President also visited the sacred place of worship of the Santhal community, 'Jaher Than', located in Bidhannagar, and met with the people.
She said that since it was a large international conference of the Santhal community, everyone should have had the opportunity to participate freely.
The President also remarked that the Chief Minister of the state should ideally have attended the event. She added that the Chief Minister might be upset with her, but she considered her like a younger sister.
President Murmu further said that the conference was originally planned to be held at the present location, but the administration did not grant permission, forcing organizers to shift it to a distant venue.
Citing inadequate arrangements at the conference, the President said that she visited Jaher Than separately to meet members of the Santhal community.
