Assam: 5 Lakh Tribals Plan March to Delhi, Demanding Delisting of 'ST Converts'

GUWAHATI: Over 500,000 tribals affiliated with the Janajati Suraksha Manch (JSM) and the Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha Manch (JDSSM) are planning to march to the Indian Parliament in November to demand the removal of converted Christians from the Schedule Tribe (ST) status, which grants them job reservations. The organizations have been working for the rights of ST people for 18 years, aiming to protect their original identities, culture, and prevent unethical conversions.

The JDSSM has already organized a mass rally called "Chalo Dispur" in Guwahati, with over 60,000 tribals participating. They have also conducted rallies in eight state capitals and plan to hold rallies in 14 other states. Memorandums have been sent to the President and Prime Minister demanding legislative amendments to Article 342 of the Indian Constitution.

“Our objectives are to protect the original identities of ST people of India and their original vibrant culture, customs, traditions, language and rituals, prevent unethical conversions, and prevent double benefits (ST and minority) taken by many converted STs, which are unconstitutional and immoral too,” kumbang said.

The JDSSM claims that converted STs receive double benefits, taking advantage of minority status while availing reservation benefits meant for STs. They allege that converted STs participate in elections and take away the rights of tribals striving to preserve their traditions. The organization has garnered support from tribal leaders, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and members of autonomous bodies, with over 400 MPs supporting their demand.

“We had also organised mass rallies in 8 state capitals of India, including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chattisgarh, Orissa and Gujarat, Assam. We are planning to hold a rally in Rajasthan on June 18. We are in the process of holding rallies in 14 other states,” the tribal leader said.

The JDSSM argues that religious conversions, particularly to Christianity, pose a significant threat to STs, with conversion rates increasing in recent years. They point out the growing number of churches in Assam and claim that the state is a target for missionaries. The JDSSM asserts that converted tribals should not be eligible for ST reservations and benefits, as the criteria for defining a community as a tribe include primitive traits, distinct culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness.

The United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) disagrees, stating that ST status is a birthright for the indigenous people of the country, irrespective of religion. They argue that curtailment of ST status based on faith is unconstitutional, as Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens.

The JSM and JDSSM are organizing a march to the Parliament, demanding the removal of converted Christians from the ST status. They claim that converted STs receive double benefits and argue that conversions pose a threat to tribal identities. However, the UCFNEI argues that ST status is a birthright and should not be curtailed based on religion.

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