CM Yogi Adityanath orders withdrawal of cases against Tharu Community

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced that all cases registered against members of the Tharu community during previous regimes would be withdrawn, calling it a step toward delivering justice and restoring dignity to the tribal group.

Addressing a gathering in Lakhimpur Kheri , he alleged that several cases had been filed against Tharu individuals under earlier governments, particularly during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party, when members of the community were raising their voices for rights and recognition. The withdrawal of these cases, he said, would ensure that such “injustice” is corrected.

The announcement came during a large outreach programme in which land ownership documents were distributed to thousands of beneficiaries, including more than 4,000 families from the Tharu community. For many, this marked the first time they received legal ownership of land they had cultivated for generations.

The Tharus are an indigenous tribal community inhabiting the Terai belt along the India–Nepal border, known for their deep connection with forests and traditional agrarian lifestyle. Despite their rich cultural heritage, they have historically faced challenges such as lack of land rights, displacement and limited access to development benefits, often leaving them on the margins of mainstream growth.

Highlighting his government’s approach, Adityanath said the initiative reflects a shift from entitlement to empowerment, combining legal recognition with economic opportunities. He also reiterated a strict stance against mafia elements, warning that no one would be allowed to exploit the poor or capture resources.

Alongside legal relief, the government outlined plans to promote Tharu handicrafts and local enterprise, aiming to connect their products with national and global markets. The broader focus, the Chief Minister said, is to transform the community into self-reliant stakeholders in the state’s development journey, while ensuring long-denied rights are secured.