New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, popularly known as "Dishom Guru" passed away on Monday at the age of 81 after a prolonged battle with kidney-related ailments and a recent stroke.

The demise of the co-founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, who championed the rights of tribal communities and a separate identity for people for Jharkhand people, marks the end of an era in the state and national politics.

Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Ramgarh district (then part of Bihar, now Jharkhand), Shibu Soren belonged to the Santal tribal community. Personal tragedy shaped his life as his father was allegedly murdered by moneylenders' thugs while he was still in school, an event that served as a catalyst in ...