Ranchi, Sept 6: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and state minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu died on Sunday, prompting the party to postpone its proposed statewide protest scheduled for September 7.
In an office order issued by JMM central general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey, the party said Sonu’s death had left its leaders and workers deeply shocked and saddened. All one-day dharna programmes planned at block headquarters across Jharkhand on September 7 have been postponed until further orders.
Sonu, who was a member of the JMM central executive committee and a minister in the Jharkhand government, was remembered by party colleagues as a committed leader associated with the Jharkhand movement and the party’s political struggle.
In a condolence message, CM Hemant Soren described Sonu as an elder brother who had remained supportive and guided him through difficult times. He recalled Sonu’s association with the Jharkhand movement and his commitment to the state’s identity, rights and interests.
देर रात अपने बड़े भाई, हमारे प्रिय सुदिव्य कुमार सोनू जी के निधन का दुःखद समाचार मिला। इस खबर को स्वीकार कर पाना मेरे लिए बेहद कठिन है। सोनू भैया का जाना मेरे जीवन में ऐसी रिक्तता छोड़ गया है, जिसे शब्दों में व्यक्त करना संभव नहीं।
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) September 6, 2026
सोनू भैया मेरे लिए सिर्फ एक वरिष्ठ साथी या… pic.twitter.com/rXEyPBQULo
“Sonu Bhaiya’s departure has left a void in my life that cannot be expressed in words,” the leader said, recalling his personal association with the late minister.
He said Sonu had worked with dedication alongside late JMM patriarch Shibu Soren during the Jharkhand movement and remained committed to the party throughout his political journey.
The leader described Sonu’s death as a personal and irreparable loss, saying his contribution and commitment to Jharkhand would continue to be remembered.
The sudden demise has also drawn condolences from political circles, with leaders expressing sympathy to Sonu’s family, supporters and colleagues and praying for them to find strength to cope with the loss.
The JMM has directed its organisational units across the state to keep the September 7 protest programme suspended until further instructions.
