The Janajati Suraksha Manch (JSM) raised a voice supporting the removal of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for tribals who converted to Christianity. In support of their demand, Janajati Suraksha Manch (JSM) held a delisting rally at the Swami Vivekananda Ground in Agartala on Tuesday.
A significant crowd of tribal communities, particularly youth and women, took part in the rally standing behind the JSM’s demand, commented the JSM leaders.
Addressing the crowd, Bikram Bahadur Jamatia, Padma Shri awardee and founding president of North East Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha, vehemently accused the CPI-M of instigating hatred against the ‘Samajpati’ in Tripura. Allegations were levied, claiming that the CPI-M attempted to eliminate religious significance and propagate a society devoid of beliefs, purportedly to maintain control over the state.
Jamatia emphasised the urgency of enacting customary laws for the various Janajati communities, currently in progress. He stressed that the implementation of these laws stands crucial in safeguarding the rights and convictions of the state’s tribals. The JSM will continue to ensure that the Customary laws get implemented.
Notably, the demand for delisting tribals from ST status met staunch opposition from TIPRA Motha Party, CPI-M, and Congress, accusing the BJP of perpetuating divisive tactics to fracture society.
However, Jamatia maintained that religion and society cannot be devoid of one or another. He blamed Autonomous District Council (ADC) ruling parties – CPIM, Congress in the past and incumbent TIPRA Motha Party.
Allegations were raised against the ADC ruling parties for exploiting tribal rights for political gain, diverting attention from the substantive issues faced by these communities.
Jamatia asserted, the JSM stands committed in its pursuit of upholding tribal rights and preserving their cultural heritage through the institution of customary laws even as Political parties are trying to derail the initiative by ignoring the intricate relationships between the communities with religion and society.
The societal rift over the delisting issue persists as a stark reflection of the intricate web of politics, religion, and identity of the Janajati people of Tripura.