Koda pays tribute to Nirmal Mahto on his birth anniversary

Jamshedpur, Dec 25 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, along with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo Shibu Soren, today paid floral tributes to slain JMM president Nirmal Mahto on the occasion of his 57th birth annversary.

The JMM organised a three-day celebration for the birth anniverary, which included a public rally, showering of flowers from a helicopter on the statue of Nirmal Mahto at Uliyan, Chhou dance on motor bikes, Purulia Chhou dance, drawing competition, magic show and other cultural programmes.

After arriving at the airport, Mr Koda and Mr Soren proceeded to the 'Samadhisthal' of Mr Mahto at Uliyan and paid floral tributes and garlanded the lifesize bronze statue.

A host of JMM leaders, including Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Sudhir Mahto and JMM vice-president Champai Soren, Jamshedpur MP and the widow of slain JMM MP Sunil Mahto also garlanded the statue at Chamaria guest house where Nirmal Mahto was shot dead in 1987.

Meanwhile, Sudhir Mahto, the younger brother of Nirmal Mahto, said, ''We are determined to fulfill Nirmal Mahto's dream of a prosperous and developed Jharkhand and the UPA government is moving on the right directon to realise the goal.'' UNI