Tripura’s Janajati Suraksha Mancha is
determined to hold a rally on December 25 demanding removal of tribals, who
converted to Christianity, from Scheduled Tribe list. The move is to prevent
those converts from getting “dual benefits”.
“We are not against any community or any
religion. We are saying that there are people who are getting dual benefits
even after being converted to Christianity. We are organising the rally on
December 25 demanding the delisting of tribals who have converted to
Christianity,” said Mancha’s member Milan Rani Jamatia in Agartala.
Janajati Suraksha Mancha has been facing
criticism from the Opposition over the scheduled rally. The CPM, Congress,
People’s Congress and TIPRA Motha alleged a “conspiracy” and efforts to foment
communal tension behind it.
The delisting demand was first raised in
1966-67 under the leadership of MP Kartik Orang, said the Mancha member.
Later in 1970, the demand list with the
recommendation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee was submitted to the Prime Minister.
“We are holding rallies in different
villages. So far, a total of 14 rallies were held in the country. More rallies
will follow. Another huge rally, Chalo Delhi, will be organised. At least five
lakh people will take part in it and submit a memorandum to the President of
India,” shared Mancha’s senior member Binud Kumbang.
Mancha convener Santi Bikash Chakma stated
in November that Christianity thrived in the State from 1911 to 2011, claiming
that since converted tribals no longer protect and preserve indigenous cultures
and traditions of tribals, they should be delisted.
NE Watch Desk
