JDSSM affiliate of RSS demands removal of Christians from ST list

GUWAHATI: Ahead of the assembly elections in Christian-majority Meghalaya and Nagaland, the RSS-backed Janajati Dharma- Sanskriti Suraksha Manch (JDSSM) has decided to intensify its agitation and delist these tribals have demanded those who have undergone conversion of religion. (ST) status which entitles them to reservation in jobs.
More than 1 lakh members of the JDSSM will hold a demonstration at Janata Bhawan on February 12 as part of their “Chalo Dispur” programme, demanding both the central and state governments to amend Article 342A of the Constitution of India.
The organization will also submit separate memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of their demand.
The organization is carrying forward a demand that was first raised in the sixties by Congress MP Karthik Oraon, who raised the issue by claiming that the benefits of reservation to ST converts were denied. A large part of is getting. In 1968, a Joint Parliamentary Committee was formed to look into the matter.
“Those who have converted to foreign religions like Christianity and Islam are getting a double benefit. They put their children in Christian schools who benefit as a minority but get scholarships, jobs, promotions for STs. ,” said Binud Kumbang, Co-Convenor, JDSSM, Assam Pranta.
“Also, they participate in democratic exercises by contesting elections to become ministers, MPs, MLAs, and members of autonomous bodies. They are taking away the rights of tribals to keep their tradition alive. Working hard,” Kumbang said.

He said the organization has already taken out various rallies in tribal-majority districts and reached out to tribal leaders, including ministers, MPs, MLAs and CEMs of autonomous councils, to seek support.
Meghalaya and Nagaland are two Christian-majority states that will contest assembly elections on February 27.

In March, the organization is also planning to storm Parliament in New Delhi in support of its demand.
The criteria set by the Lokur Committee to define a tribe are primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness in contact with the larger community, and indications of backwardness.

“Those who convert to Christianity and Islam should not be eligible for reservation and other benefits given to STs. But, even after conversion, they are getting benefits of both,” he said.
In the case of Kerala vs. Mohan, the Supreme Court clarified that if a member of a tribe adopts a religion other than his original religion and abandons his traditions, customs, rites and rituals, it is not illegal tribe.
“Tribals who accept other religions should not be given mandatory reservation for genuine STs,” he said.

“Out of about 4 million tribal population in the state, 7-10 people converted to Christianity in Assam. Many tribal people of Dhemaji, Majuli, Sadiya, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao convert to Christianity for various reasons. Conversions rate is increasing,” said the JDSSM co-convener.
“We are not against any religion. But we want to protect our language, tradition and culture,” he added.

JDSSM is taking out public awareness rallies in every block, ward and district of the state and the rallies are getting support from STs who have not got the benefits.
“Religious conversion has been a constant threat to the ST people of the country since before independence. Conversion of tribals to Christianity and Islam is not a new phenomenon but the rate of conversion has increased dramatically in the last few decades. Bagiram Boro, President JDSSM, Assam Pranta said.
“This PAN-India organization was formed to prevent the conversion of tribals to foreign religions like Christianity, Islam etc. Our aim is to protect and preserve the original culture, customs, traditions and languages ​​of the tribals of India, ST. To prevent conversion of people. For foreign religions, create janjagaran among the ST population at the grassroots level through various workshops, rally gaon sabhas and samparka abhijans,” Boro said.

“Our Chalo Dispur will be a grand rally of one lakh participants in Guwahati,” he added.
However, Lawrence Islary, United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) MLA and former general secretary of the influential All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), said the demand would weaken the tribal people in Assam and the Northeast.

“There are few groups in the ST list. If the government accepts this demand, the tribals will be weakened. Moreover, there are five criteria for getting ST status. Religion is not considered as a criterion of recognition. “Yes,” said Islary.
“A section of people is raising this demand in the country. But I don’t find any justification behind it. Many assembly constituencies will be deserving. Tribals will lose representation in parliament and assemblies. This is a big conspiracy. The demand should be revised,” Islary added.
Reacting to the issue, Assam Christian Forum (ACF) secretary Chowaram Daimary said that ST status is based on caste as per the Indian Constitution and has nothing to do with religion.
“As far as the allegations of conversion are concerned, it is worth noting that the Bodos traditionally practiced Bathouism, the worship of an ancient deity known as Obonglaoree. However, the Bodos also converted to Hinduism. has gone, especially to the two religions apart from the Home Jagya of their own free will according to the provisions in the Constitution,” Daimary said.
“Thus, the mere mention of two religions is seen as an attempt by vested and inciting groups to create chaos and unrest among the Bodo people, especially when the Bodo Accord is being implemented,” he said. added.