ITANAGAR, May 27: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned the recent demand raised by the Jan Jati Suraksha Manch in Delhi seeking the removal of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status from certain tribal communities based on their religious affiliation.
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| Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) President James Techi Tara. (File Photo) |
In a
statement issued on Wednesday, ACF termed the demand unconstitutional and said
it undermines the historical, cultural, social, and ethnic identity of
indigenous tribal communities across the country, particularly in the
Northeast.
ACF
president James Techi Tara stated that Scheduled Tribe recognition is rooted in
indigenous identity, customary traditions, geographical isolation, and
socio-economic conditions rather than religion.
“ST
recognition is based on the unique identity and traditional characteristics of
indigenous tribal communities, not on the basis of religious affiliation,” Tara
said.
He
stressed that tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of
Northeast India continue to retain their languages, customs, traditional
governance systems, and ethnic identity regardless of the faith they practice.
According
to the forum, any attempt to divide tribal communities along religious lines
could seriously threaten social harmony, constitutional values, and the unity
of indigenous people.
“Any move
to discriminate against tribal communities because of religion will weaken the
constitutional safeguards meant to protect vulnerable indigenous groups and
preserve their distinct heritage,” Tara added.
The ACF
further stated that constitutional protections granted to Scheduled Tribes were
introduced to safeguard communities that have historically faced social and
economic disadvantages, while also protecting their traditional way of life and
cultural identity.
The forum
urged the Government of India, policymakers, and concerned authorities to
reject any proposal that seeks to alter ST status on religious grounds and
instead uphold the constitutional rights guaranteed to all Scheduled Tribe
communities.
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The
organisation also appealed to citizens and community groups to maintain peace,
mutual respect, and communal harmony, while working collectively for the
welfare and dignity of all indigenous people in the state.
The issue
of linking Scheduled Tribe status with religion has periodically sparked debate
in tribal-dominated regions, particularly in the Northeast, where tribal identity
is closely tied to customary practices, land rights, and constitutional
protections under the Sixth Schedule and other legal safeguards.
The ACF’s statement comes amid growing discussions surrounding tribal rights, indigenous identity, and constitutional protections in several northeastern states.
