People living in Jharkhand should learn state's culture: Soren

Ramgarh, Oct 4 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren today lamented that people belonging to other parts of the country and living here did not wish to adopt the culture of this state.

'' Even the Punjabis living in West Bengal speak Bengali but in Jharkhand people seem to be reluctant to respect tribal culture, '' Mr Soren said at a function here.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over such attitude, saying he did not believe in ''danga phasad''.

But a section of people tried to tarnish his image by branding him as ''bad element''.

'' I am not communal, '' he asserted.

Mr Soren said the pace of development was not satisfactory in the state though the state possess rich mineral and natural resources.

Speaking about his priorities, he said every practical efort would be taken by the government for development of the state.

'' I don't know reading books but have the knowledge about agriculture, '' he said and stressed the need for promoting agriculture as major portion of the rural population income was agro-based.

UNI XC-AM-PRS SJC RN1936