Bangaldesh Adivasi Adhikar Andolon will hold a daylong programme to mark the day. A convening committee was also formed with Prof Mesbah Kamal as its convener to organise the event.

The anniversary programme will begin with traditional drum beating by Santals, the oraganisers said at a press conference in the city yesterday.

Sudhir Majhi, a Santal freedom fighter, will inaugurate the programme, with Justice Md Golam Rabbani in the chair. Sultana Kamal, former adviser to the caretaker government, will be present at the chief guest.

A seminar on the liberation struggle will be held after the inaugural session. Prof Ganesh Soren will present the keynote paper.

Later, 10 indigenous freedom fighters will be awarded 'Sidhu-Kanu' Award. The award was established in the names of two brothers Sidhu and Kanu who spearheaded the Santal Hul.

The speakers at the press conference said over 30 lakh Santal people have been living in the northern region of the country and that they are still deprived of their rights.

They demanded a separate land commission for the indigenous people living on the plains, an end to persecution of ethnic minorities and steps to ensure their rights to religion, culture, language and traditional knowledge.