Delisting of converted tribals from ST category: Tripura CM refuses to comment

The Tripura Congress today made it amply clear that it will never back a demand which goes against the principles of the Indian Constitution.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha today refused to comment on the ongoing controversy arising out of the demand for delisting of tribal individuals who have converted to other religions, from the Schedule Tribe category in the state.

When asked about the matter, Tripura Chief Minister said, “I have no comment.”

The Tripura Chief Minister’s response comes a day after the Tripur Kshatriya Samaj, a civil body of the Debbarma community in the state, backed the Janajati Suraksha Mancha’s demand to delist tribes people (from the ST category) who had converted to other religions.

Contrary to this the Joint Action Committee of Civil Society (JACCS) has strongly rejected the demand put forth by the Janjati Suraksha Manch.

Things have gone to such an extent that the Janajati Suraksha Mancha had decided to carry out a rally, reinforcing the call for delisting converted tribals, on December 25 during the Christmas celebrations.
This is in the meantime has triggered apprehensions among different civil society organisations as well as political parties, that such activities might lead to disturbances between communities.

Meanwhile, the Congress made it amply clear that the party never backs such a demand which goes against the principles of the Indian Constitution.

According to Congress leader Prabir Chakraborty, this intends to harm the communal harmony.

In a press briefing the Congress leader alleged, “There can be no reservation on the basis of religion. This demand goes against the basic idea of the Indian Constitution. This situation has been created which is politically motivated. The demand which seeks delisting of converted tribal population from ST category cannot happen in any way. This demand is unconstitutional and we cannot support such demands.
This is actually a conspiracy. We had urged the state government to stop the rally scheduled to be held on December 25, but we have not seen any action by the government.”

Organisations who are pushing for the delisting believe that those tribal members who embrace other religions often deviate from traditional customs and rituals, justifying the need to revoke their Scheduled Tribe privileges.

On the other hand, groups opposing the demand for delisting say that back India’s secular and democratic principles, affirming that citizens have the right to choose their beliefs and faith.

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