President Murmu Hails Tribal Society's Unwritten Constitution at Historic Bastar Dussehra Muria Darbar

Addressing the centuries-old traditional assembly of the Muria Darbar during the historic Bastar Dussehra celebrations in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu praised the indigenous dispute resolution framework as an exemplary model of speedy, community-driven justice. Highlighting the contrast with conventional formal courts—where civil and criminal litigations often linger unresolved for ten, twenty, or even thirty years—the President pointed out that tribal jurisprudence operates through a time-tested, unwritten social constitution that resolves conflicts peacefully within the village itself. Emphasizing her deep ancestral roots by stating "I too am a Manjhi's daughter," President Murmu underscored that this multi-tiered indigenous mediation model represents a profound civilizational strength that modern legal systems can draw inspiration from to tackle massive judicial pendency.The Architecture of Indigenous Justice: From Village Manjhi to Desh ParganaThe traditional tribal dispute resolution structure functions through participatory, consensus-based tiers:Grassroots Mediation by the Manjhi: At the primary village level, the traditional Manjhi convenes open community hearings, listening impartially to all aggrieved parties to negotiate an amicable, mutually accepted settlement.Escalation to Peed and Desh Pargana: If a dispute cannot be resolved at the immediate village boundary, the matter moves up to the Peed Pargana and subsequently to the apex Desh Pargana, where community elders deliberate for days until full consensus is reached.Zero Cost and Rapid Closure: Unlike adversarial legal battles that drain economic resources and span decades, the unwritten tribal system eliminates procedural delays, delivering immediate reconciliation without burdening rural households.Preserving Sacred Heritage Alongside Modern Growth: The President called upon policymakers and community members to safeguard tribal cultural identities and self-governing customs even as modern education, healthcare, and infrastructure expand across the plateau.Spiritual Homage at Maa Danteshwari Shrine and Dialogue at Sirasar BhavanThe historic presidential visit to Bastar was marked by sacred rituals and extensive dialogues with traditional indigenous functionaries:Prayers at Maa Danteshwari Temple: Upon arriving in Jagdalpur, President Murmu offered solemn prayers at the revered Maa Danteshwari Temple, seeking blessings for state prosperity, peace, and national harmony.Interactive Conclave at Sirasar Bhavan: Moving to Sirasar Bhavan for the Muria Darbar, the President held detailed discussions with traditional village heads, including the Manjhis and Chalakiyas.Review of Bastar Dussehra Traditions: Customary representatives briefed the President on the deep spiritual legacy of the 75-day Bastar Dussehra festival, forest ecology, indigenous handicrafts, and ancestral community norms.Peace and Progress in Bastar: Overcoming Maoist Violence Through DevelopmentReflecting on Chhattisgarh’s evolving security landscape, the President commended ongoing initiatives to bring stability to the tribal heartland:Coordinated Anti-Insurgency Strides: President Murmu highlighted the coordinated security and governance initiatives executed by central and state authorities, observing that peace is steadily returning as the region overcomes the grip of Maoist extremism.Empowering Community Self-Governance: The President urged indigenous youth and village leaders to take decisive charge of their own societal destinies, encouraging communities to unite firmly against disruptive forces of unrest.Catalyzing Rural Prosperity: With sustained law enforcement stability and rapid infrastructure expansion, she noted that the forested belts of Bastar and southern Chhattisgarh are charting a decisive pathway toward economic growth, tourism revival, and sustainable progress.